VARIOUS NEW ZEALAND ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 March 1910, Page 4

VARIOUS NEW ZEALAND ITEMS

[B£ TELEGRAPH—PBB PBESS ASSOCIATION] buttelTboxes. , AUCKLAND, This" Day.— In tho course o"f* an interview Mr George Lu.sh, Chairman of Directors of the l Kauri Timber Company had somothing to say about the reported proposal to import Japanese' timber to Australia for butter-box purposes. Up to the present the manufacture of butter boxes in Australasia has been practi cally monopolised by New Zealand kahikatea, which is eminently suited for the purpose, owing to its nonodourless quality and its lightness, but according to Sydney experts a bid is about to be made against its supremacy. Mr Lush, however, is of opinion that the report has very little ground for foundation. Some buyer whose contract has "squeezed'' him may feel annoyed with the position, and has begun to talk of opposition sources, or it may bo that some speculative people have thought of entering into the butter-box business, but at present lie does not see how the New Zealand timber is likely to be supplanted, as it so thoroughly tills the requirements. Mr Lush, in fact, considers that the whole rumour may be discounted very considerably.

COMPULSORY SERVICE. WELLINGTON, March 17. The Post states that Lord Kitchener has impressed upon the Government the expediency of extending the ago up to which compulsory service may be enforced to 25 years. It is understood the Government has not yet fully considered the matter with a view to taking definite action. DUNEDIN'S TRAMWAYS. DUNEDIN March 17.—Tho Dunedin Electric Tramways for th 3 year ended March 2nd. show receipts to be C 65.799; working expenses, £36,401. and profit derived after paying for expenses £29.398. giving a return of 9 per centum on a capital expenditure of £300.000. The revenue shows a a increase of £2522 over the previous vcar, while mileage runs shows an increase of 7798 miles. The total number of passengers was 11,380,472. This is the most successful year since the inauguration of the service.

A FRUITLESS SEARCH. WELLINGTON, March 17.—Ten police constables were actively engaged to-day searching the beach along Happy Valley for traces of the body of P. F. Davcy, whose clothes were found lying on the beach on Wednesday. The search was fruitless. BOYVRON BROS. CASE. CHRISTCHURCH, March 17— In connection with the application for a writ of prohibition restraining Mr. 11. \V. Bishop, S.M., from adjudicating upon any or ;ill of the informations laid by Wm. M. Tyers. Inspecting Accountant of the Income Department against Bowron Bros., of Christchur.ch, it is understood that by the consent ol the parties the application will In moved into the Court of Appeal which opens its sittings at Wellington on April 4th. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. GISBORNE. March 16.—The Supreme Court was occupied in hearing the claim of Field versus Thompson for a sum of £173 damages alleged ti have been sustained by the attack ol defendant's dog on plaintiff's daughter. The defendant sought to show that tin plaintiff's children had encouraged the dog to stav at their home, and bad alsi provoked the animal. Considerable evidence was advanced, showing tin fiery disposition of the dog. and tin jury awarded plaintiff £6O damages the defendant also being called itpol to pay £9 medical expenses and court costs.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHANTS. DCNEDTN. This Par.—On the subjoin of fhe withdrawal of the ninepenny •.''■ant to the School Committees, the Education Board has resolved, on Mr Mitchell's motion.. -That this Board cannot refrain from expressions of regret, that the Minister should perpetuate the injustice of ::iving a general application to a particular isolated instance and assure the Minister that the Board rather than curtail the allowances to Committees have given full effect to the desire of (he department and relieved them of its previous linancia.l responsibilities."

SEQUEL TO A CAM RLE. AUCKLAND, This Day. Detectives arrested Harold Paruell, on a charge of failing to account to his alleged partners, Harman and Bowman, for money claimed by them on the prize in Tattei-salls sweep, three tickets being taken in Parnell's name. Accused was remanded to Waihi in conjunction with [vncebono previously committeed. Bail was allowed in £l5O and a surety of £250. FIRE AT HASTINGS. HASTINGS This Day.—A thirteen roomed house owned and occupied by Mrs E. Bamforth was totally destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon, The cause is unknown as Mis Bamforth was absent in Wellington and the remainder of the family were away at the time of the outbreak. A quantity of furniture was saved. The insurances on the building total £250 in the National Office and on the furniture £2OO in the Alliance