DOMINION ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1943, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS

WELLINGTON HOSPITAL.

WELLINGTON, May 19. The Wellington Hospital Board adopted tentative estimates last month based on the assumption that the social security payment would be raised from 6/- to 9/- a patient. The Board has been informed by the Minister of Health (Mr. Nordmeyer) that no such decision has been reached. The estimates were amended to-day, increasing the levies on local bodies about 20 per cent. The Consolidated Fund contribution will also be larged than in the tentative estimates. FIRE AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, May 20. Part of the premises occupied by the Second N.Z.E.F. Association in the city on the second floor of Queen’s Arcade was destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning. The furnishings, including a radio and piano were damaged beyond repair, and the floor and ceiling were extensively damaged. Four brigades fought the blaze and quickly prevented the spread. Stocks in the shops on the ground and first floor of the building were slightly damaged by water. The brigade completed its task with only a few thousand gallons of water which was economised owing to the shortage.

ELECTORAL ROLLS. WELLINGTON, May 20. Registrars of Electors throughout New Zealand are at present busily engaged in the work of “cleansing” the electoral rolls. Due to the cooperation of the Post and Telegraph Deoartment, Registrars have knowledge of those electors who are believed to have left their district and inquiries are being confined mainly to electors who come under this heading. Forms of inquiry as to residence are being sent out and where these notices are returned unclaimed notices of objection are then posted under registered cover. If these second notices. are returned, “gone, no address,” they serve as authority for the corresponding names to be removed from the roll.

SLY GROGGER IMPRISONED WELLINGTON, May 19. Raymond Spencer was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment by Mr Stilwell on a charge of selling a bottle of wine to each of three men. De_ cision as to confiscation was reserved till to-morrow. The police stated there had been comulaints, and action was taken. They described finding hundreds of bottles and twenty casks and other large containers filled with wine. A I the bottles were labelled with defendant’s name. 4 Counsel stated that defendant received £lOOO as compensation lor an accident, and invested the money m wines purchased all oyer New. land, intending to obtain a hcense and open a shop. If the Court ordered confiscation, it would be a penauj out of proportion to the offence.

WELLINGTON, May 20. The Magistrate (Mr. Stilwell), m a reserved decision, to-day, decided not to confiscate the £lOOO worth of liquor in the case against Raymond Soencer, who, yesterday, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for illegal sale of liquor.