DOMINION ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 December 1940, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS

FOREST FIRE.

[per press association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, December 29. Reports to-night indicate that the losses in the State Forest Service plantation fire at Eyrewell are very heavy. The danger of further fires if the hot, dry weather continues, is causing considerable concern.

. WATERSIDE CO-OPERATION AUCKLAND, December 28. The seriousness of the shipping position was referred to by the Minister for Labour (Mr. Webb), who emphasised the necessity for the speedy turn.-ro.uhd of all shipping arriving at New Zealand ports from overseas. Mr. Webb’ said a committee of representatives of shipping and freezing companies, the Waterside Commission, and the Railway Department was taking into consideration every factor of the position with a view to the closest co-operation and coordination between all interests.

Rolling-stock would be made available, and produce from the freezing stores would be ready at the shortest notice. It had also been decided that refreshments would be made available for the men on this vital work When engaged for extended hours to 'get the ships away. The paramount need was for the ships to be turned round quickly.

WOMAN’S GAMING HOUSE AUCKLAND, December 30.

“It was an organised establishment,” said the Magistrate (Mr. Morling) on imposing a fine of £5O on Lilian Church, 32, clerk, for keeping a common gaming house at Onehunga. The police said that when they visited the shop on Friday last they found two telephones and a number of doubles charts in a room at the rear. “On occasions, Mrs. Church has failed to pay out when entitled to pay,” said Detective Sergeant Nalder, “and consequently we have received complaints. She is a divorced woman and has been betting for about two years, but has not been convicted.” Defending counsel (Mr. Robinson) said it was not correct that Mrs. Church did not pay. Hannah Elizabeth Gilmore, 44, clothing factory employee, was fined £5, for assisting in the management of a gaming house.

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION DUNEDIN, December 30. The United States Antractic service expedition flagship Bear is to sail at three o’clock this afternoon, for Little America. The vessel this morning loaded 30,000 gallons of fuel oil’ ■