ITEMS IN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 82, 31 December 1929, Page 10

ITEMS IN BRIEF

Firo in Sydney.—Fire destroyed the furniture factory of O. K. Elliott Ltd. at Annandale, a suburb of Sydney. A large quantity of valuable timber and machinery was ruined. The damage amounted to £7ooo.—Press Assn.

Dutch Air Service to Java.—After eight postal flights from Holland to Java the enterprise has halted, states a Press Association message from Weltervreden. The official explanations that British aerodromes en route are not available owing to repairs is not believed by the Dutch Press, which urges air lines to take another route, avoiding British territory.

Earth Tremors in Tasmania. —An earth tremor lasting ten seconds was experienced in Northern Tasmania on Saturday. Housese were severely shaken and there was considerable public consternation, but apart from cracked chimneys no serious damage was reported.—Press Assn.

Alda Retiring from Operatic Stage.— Frances Alda has announced her retirement from the operatic stage after 21 years’ affiliation with the Metropolitan Opera Company, states a Press Association message from New York. She will devote her activities to radio. The staff, directors, and singers combined in a farewell reception. Frances Alda was born in Christchurch and made her debut at the Opera Comique in 1904. She has taken part in leading operas all over the world and was a singing partner of Caruso.

Communist Candidates for State Elections.—The Communist Conference at Sydney decided to nominate candidates for the State Parliamentary elections in opposition to endorsed Labour nominees. The conference also condemned the White Australia policy as “cultivating race prejudice.”—Press Assn.

The Season’s Greetings.—Seasonal greetings h;ive been exchanged between the Government and the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London in the following terms: —From the Prime Minister (Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) to the High Commissioner: “On behalf of the New Zealand Government and officers in the Public Service I desire to extend to yourself and members of your staff best wishes for a happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year.” The High Commissioner replies: “The staff and myself much appreciate good wishes from the Goyernment and officers in the Public Service for Christmas and New Year, and heartily reciprocate the sentiments.”

. Infant Drowned In Bath. —A verdict of accidental death by drowning was returned by the Coroner at an inquest concerning the death of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Neison, of Devonport, Auckland, who was found floating in a-bath on Sunday evening. The child, Donald, aged 15 months, was being bathed by Mrs. Neison, who had bathed two older children. She left the bathroom lor a moment to see whether the other children were going to bed, and, on her return a minute or two later, she found (he infant floating on the water. —Press Assn.