DOMINION TELEGRAMS.

Grey River Argus, 24 July 1923, Page 6

DOMINION TELEGRAMS.

DUNEDIN, July 23. The decomposed body of a welldressed man, as yet unidentified, was found iu the Molyneux River, near Alexandra, yesterday. ASHBURTON, July 23. The guard of tho Mount Somers branch line derailment has been notified that he will be fined £2 and transferred to Christchurch, “as punishment for failing to comply with the regulation test of tho Westinghouse brake.” This is a sequel to the derailment on June 15, wherein sixty lives, including thirty children, were imperilled. Settlers are now petitioning for a commission of inquiry, alleging the derailment was owing to tho serious disrepair of the line. BLENHEIM, July 23. Startling statements were made at the meeting of tho Blenheim Farmers’ Union iu regard to railway freight rates. Tho Chairman said that there did not soern to be a fixed rate on the railways for freight. Evidently tho Department was exploiting everyone wherever possible. When high and unreasonable charges were found out and questioned, tho Department rapidly climbed down. It was resolved that the Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union bo asked to inquire into the matter of differential railages on local railways ou goods, as between shipping firms and private individuals. WELLINGTON, July 23. .Lindo Owen Aitchison, a boy of 34 years, was scalded to death at Petone by the upsetting of a saucepan of boiling potatoes on himself. AUCKLAND, July 23. Tho Dominion award in the carpenters and joiuers’ dispute fixes the hours at 44 per week, and the minimum wage for carpenters and joiners’ machinists at 2/2J per hour for outside workers, and 2/l| per hour for ractory workers. The award comes into force on August 6th and operates for two years. WHANGAREI, July 23. Kamo Town Hall, which housed the Town Board’s archives, public library, and picture show plant, was totally destroyed by fire late last night. No water supply was available. The library books and most of the Town Board’s documents were rescued. The hall was :’.sured for £5OO, the picture plant for £3OO, and tho library for £2OO. The origin is not yet determined, and was possibly due to the fusing of electric wires.