DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 4 October 1934, Page 8

DOMINION NEWS

(Per Press Association.) ■WELLINGTON, October 3. In the House, questioned by Mr Savage, Mr. Forbes said he had no knowledge of the statements that had been made that the session would be adjourned at the end of this month. The Government was still awaiting important Commission reports. Until they were received, lie was unable to say whether an adjournment would be necessary or not. CHRISTCHURCH, October 3. Heavy mortality among lambs is reported from Hanmer and other North Canterbury districts, as the result of heavy and continued rain on Monday and yesterday. Over two inches fell in some places inland. The road from Waiau to Kaikouru is still impassable, even on the main road to Christchurch. Yesterday service cars which left Nelson at 5.30 a.m. were more than seventeen hours and a-half on the journey. Many private cars were held up at various creeks. Some of the occupants had to spend the night in the vehicles. Slips added to the dangers. The weather to-day is improving. WELLINGTON, October 3.

The wooden building known as the Blue Platter Tea-rooms and boardinghouse, at Island Bay, was totally destroyed by fire at an early hour. Built 26 years ago, it contained 20 rooms and had been a landmark since. A contract had been let for renovation, and in preparation for the work all the furniture had been removed. The building, which was the property of the G. H. Bayliss estate, was insured for £lOOO in the Guardian Office. TE AWAMUTU, October 1. Fire this afternoon destroyed a store and dwelling at Kihikihi, owned by W. F. Lees and Company. The fire apparently started on the roof, and spread quickly. With no fire-fighting equipment, it was impossible to check the flames. Only the books and a few oddments were recovered. The store was established about 50 years ago. WELLINGTON, October 3.

Some surprise has been expressed in teaching circles at the following announcement in the vacancy list of the Wellington Education Board, which appears in the October issue of the New Zealand Education Gazette: — “Grade O aided schools (£l5 per annum per child, in the average attendance, where salary does not exceed £l2O, board and lodgings provided free); Manaroa (6) 14 miles by launch from Picton; rate £9O. Protestant mistress required.” Exception is taken to what is considered to be the introduction of the religious test in State School appointments. “It is an unheard of thing,” declared one teacher. An official statement from the Board officer, in reply to a question on the subject, says that the circumstances were peculiar, and somewhat difficult. All the children came from one family, who were Protestants, and the parents had especially asked that a teacher of that denomination should be sent. The Board had given the matter very careful consideration.

AU CK LAND, Octu be r 3. Tin l shipping tonnage hat died at Auckland during the 12 months ended September 30, constituted a record for ihe port. At a. meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board, the Chairfan (Mr T. B. Clay) said the total man (Mr T. B. Clay) said ‘lie total ishing figure, considering the times through which the D'aninou had been passing. WELLIN' TON Octo.’e? Arrears of pensions, whi< h are to be allowed from. April 1, will be available for payment from and on Ocdober S. Payment at the normal rate will continue on and after O<’tebe: 23