TELEGRAMS.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 272, 22 May 1907, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

• . (*HB PBEflfl ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, May 22. At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Paper Milk Co., held this afternoon, the chairman said: "The past year had shown distinct progress. * Though the local market nad been more than absorbed by the increased output. Consequently, the Company had to draw heavily on English, Continental and Asiatic markets for wood pulp, jute, etc. It was hoped that some of these would fall in value in the near future and so materially assist the company. Paper bags shown with the sweated industry exhibit gave an idea of the competition that had to bo faced. The aim of the directors, however, was to turn out a first-class article, and with the support of the public to an industry helpful to so many workers, no fears need be entertained for the success of the company in the future. Woodville, May 22. To-day, application was made to the Crown Lands Department at Napier for rights for a water race ana site on which to erect smelting works in connection with the Maharahara Copper-mining Company. Auckland, May 22. The Fijian Government steamer Ranadi arrived from Fiji late last night. On May 16 the steamer experienced a gale, and heavy seas broke on board, smashing the ladders on the foredeck, breaking all the windows on the bridge-deck, and damaging the deck fittings. The mails had to be taken aft, owing to the forepart, where they were stowed, being deluged by the sea Mr Massey, M.H.R., called the attention of the Minister of Customs to the fact that Australian chaff was being imported as fodder, paying less duty than was payable on chaff. Mr Massey received a reply stating that the last shipments l^de'l at GreymoutTi and Kaipara, which were found not to be fodder, but chaff, have been held pending the payment of duty collectable as chaff. Instructions •have been given that all importations of a similar character shall be thoroughly examined before being accepted as food for animals. Auckland, May 22. The Minister of Defence was interviewed by a joint deputation of the National Defence League and headmaster. The Association which sought a Government subsidy for miniature rifle ranges. The Hon. Mr McNab said the proposal met his entire approval, and was certainty in favor""of a grant being made from the defence vote to supplement whatever the Education Department could spare from its vote. Something had already been done in this matter in connection with the volunteer movement as a" result of Colonial Duncan's visit to Australia. Any information Colonel Duncan had or was in possession of the Defence Department would be placed at the disposal of the Education Department. News was received by the steamer Ranadi, which arrived at Auckland last night, of a very severe hurricane in the Island of Futunga, on 17th April. The hurricane blew with such terrific violence that a large stone church, with walls 2ft 4in thick, was blown to atoms. The convent and scSpol were also absolutely destroyed. The whole of the island is a complete ruin, and presents a withered scene of desolation. The houses of the natives were laid flat, even the grass boing torn out of the ground, and not a blade is now. seen. Coooanua trees were torn up by the roots, and the tops of others were nipped right off. Food is very scarce, and there will be a famine for the next six months. The cocoa-, nut trees will not bear for five or six years. The Fathers and Sisters of the Catholic mission were out in the gale exposed to the weather night and day, there being absolutely no shelter of any description available. They wore almost starving for want of fooa\ only a little mildewed bread being left out of all the stores. The island of Alofe, near Futuna, was totally wrecked. Wallis Island had i a heavy gale, but no damage was done.