DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 4 January 1946, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS

FIRE ON MOTOROA ISLAND P.A. AUCKLAND, January 2. A spectacular blaze, visible from almost the entire Bay of Islands, swept a considerable portion of Motoroa Island and destroyed a number of Army and Navy buildings. NURSES’ HOLIDAYS P.A. WELLINGTON, January 3. Non-urgent or waiting list cases have not been admitted to Wellington or Hutt Hospitals during the holiday period nor will they for several weeks at least. This step has been taken because of the shortage of nurses and the necessity to allot a number of them annual leave at this time of the year. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. J. Cairney, said it was imperative that the nurses,’ in the interests of health and efficiency should be given their annual leave. This was one of the slackest times of the year usually, and he had asked the medical staff and private practitioners to cooperate in the policy of non-admission for several weeks for non-urgent or waiting-list cases. He estimated the shortage of nurses at about 200. A similar ban on non-urgent or waiting list cases had been imposed at times during the war, Dr. Cairney said, but this was the first time it has been necessary because of the shortage of nurses. CzHESS CONGRESS. P.A. CHRISTCHURCH. Jan. 3. The key game in the tenth round of the Victory Chess Congress championship between the leaders. Lepviikmann and Steele, was adjourned, with the former a pawn up, and a point lead for the title. By defeating Abbott, McNabb (Wellington), placed himself in a strong position for runner-up. Wade, the present champion, appears assured of fourth place.

Wood (Wellington) regained the lead in the major open tourney, Miss Hollis (Auckland), the previous leader, being beaten by Moore (Canterbury) this morning. Webb (Canterbury), with seven wins and one loss, leads in the lirst class tourney from Pope (Wellington), with six wins and two losses. ' Steele lost his half-point lead when he drew his eighth round game with Stewart (Canterbury). Ninth round results were: Lepviikmann beat Stewart; Wade beat Darwin; Gyles beat Hardy; McNabb-beat Mrs. Abbott; Kelling drew with McGilvray; Steele v. Abbott, adjourned. WELLINGTON’S COLD SNAP P.A.- WELLINGTON, January 3. The nine days from December 25 to January 2 were colder in Wellington than at any corresponding period since 1928, though immediately preceded by two hot days. The cold spell had a chastening effect upon holiday makers, even the west coast bays, usually much sunnier, being chilly and dull. December was the coldest since the records began 82 years ago, except. in 1904. THE WOOL SURPLUS. F.A. WELLINGTON, January 3. A cable message records the formation of a joint organisation for the marketing of the Dominion wool clips and the taking over of Britain’s wartime surpluses. This was referred to official quarters in Parliament House to-day. The following reply • was made: “While arrangements are not yet final and complete—although so nearly that it does not matter—British wool users can be satisfied that no arrangement will be made that will place them in a disadvantageous position compared with wool buyers for any other country”. LONDON, January 2.

Bradford importers and topmakers are critical of the plan for a joint organisation financed by the British, New Zealand, Australian and South African Governments for marketing Dominion clips and taking over Britain’s wartime surplus stocks.

It is rumoured that auctions will be starting again in the Dominions next July, and a Bradford importer wants to know whether he will be allowed to buy the wool suiting him best, with the freedom of the American buyer, who purchased heavily during the last few months.