The Dominion.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 173, 8 July 1919, Page 5

The Dominion.

THE RETURNING LEADERS. PR EMIER IX A RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Wellington, July 7. A cable received by the Acting-Prime Minister states that Mr. Massey and Sir J. G. Ward and party were at Montreal on July -1. All were well. Sir J. G. Ward proposed to pay a visit to New Y ork. Ottawa, July 7. The train carrying Mr. Massey and his family to Montreal from Halifax, where they landed from the Mauretania, was derailed. His car caught tire, but everybody escaped uninjured. —(A. and N.Z.) COMING HOME. RUAHINE AT WELLINGTON. Wellington. July 7. The Ruahine was declared a clean ship. It is understood there were five deaths during the voyage, mostly infante. 'No names are available. The vessel had a good passage and the soldiers were given a good lime coming through tne canal, lhe troops for Auckland district leave by _spec<al train leaving Tnorndon at 12.25 p.;u. to-morrow, the airurapa men leave Lambton at 8.5 a.m., those for Mauawatu, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay leave I'horadon at 8.4 a.m., the Southern men leave by the Mararoa to-morrow nignt, and those for Marlborough, Nelson and districts north of Westport by the Nikau at 5 p.m. BRIEF DETAILS OF THE VOYAGE. Wellington, July 8The Ruahine, with returning draft No. 260, berthed at 7.10 this morning. Disembarkation occupied 20 minutes. The troops numbered 890, women 139, and children 31. Good weather was experienced on the voyage from Plymouth, with the exception of a few days of choppy seas when nearing NewZealand. The men were given a great reception at Newport News, where they remained a week. During the voyage four children died. J. Rainbow, a sick passenger, jumped overboard at Gatun Lock, and was drowned. The following Hawke’s Bay men, ex Ruahine, are due to arrive to-night: — Laws, E. C., Lieut., Napier; Denholm, A. H. 2nd Lieut., Napier; Hodge, S. R., 2nd Lieut., Napier; Snelling, T. A. (M.C.), 2nd Lieut., Porangahau strong, L., Napier; Baxter, T. B. L.-Corp., Havelock North; Davidson, J. Pongaroa; Goodison, H. C. Wairva; Harmann, S., Hawke’s Bay; Hamlin. G. H., Wairoa; Pringle, IL, Dannevirke; Rosendeck, S.; Steele, E. C. Napier; Swan, C. J. Dannevirke; Webber, C. P-, Dannevirke; Wilson, D. S., Sergt., Porangahau. PEACE CELEBRATIONS. NO GASLIGHT ILLUMINATIONS. Wellington, July 7. Sir James Allen informed a reporter to-night that the Government had decided, in view- of the acute shortage of coal, that no peace illuminations involving the consumption of coal were to lie allowed. No subsidy would lie paid by the Government in cases where such illuminations had taken place. This would apply to all celebrations on Peace Day, July 19. T.he Minister explained that the prohibition covered the uso of gas and electric light in cases where current was prixliivixi by aieans ot roaJ. Thoi»' were some centres where the supply oi electricity was not dependent upon th« burning oi coal. Auckland, July

The Pvae *■ (.’elebrations Cwnnuti->- has abandoned the military sports programme and has adopted a new programme provisionally including an entertainment for t'.e children, hut abandoning the ehild-ri-n's demonstration in the Domain owimr to the wintry weather.

NAPIER ARRANGEMENTS

The committee met in the Borough Chambers last night. Mr. J. X . Brown (Mavor) presiding The Town Clerk read telegrams from the Hon. G. XV. Russell. Minister of Internal Affairs, intimating the alteration oi the date of i;s- pva< celebrations to Juiv 19, and also that children and sohliers would be carried free in the railways on that day if suitable arrangements could be made. '1 ne enildren would be earned free provided they were being conveyed to the nearest town to attend the celebrations. The chairman said they had to decide whether they hold the celebrations on ■Saturday only or whether they continue them on Monday. Cabinet would only grant a subsidy on moneys spent <;n Saturday. If tiny continued on Monday, the moneys would itat e to come from the Municipal tunds and there would be no subsidy. Lieut.-Col. J. Hislop, considered that the celebrations shone! be carried out. in one day. some people were look.ng at this as a holiday not as a time ot rejoicing. There was a reeling that proceedings might !••• a little fiat. Cr. Hanev >a?l tnc dulnrcn MWJVId pet iir.'t eon>:dera:i<JD. and the celvbrations should be sm.li that they member them many years hence. The chairurrn said it. had been sirgj rested that :::•»• r.i.di• n s sports - take place on t!:u P.ir.id--. a- on the <wcasinn of the 11.M.5. New Z -.u.irid - vi.-ir. In the ca-ecf rain, it would not be so clamp as the Park. Mr. XV J. McGrath, Lieut.-Col. Hislop, and Mr. H. E. Stanton advocated

Nelson Par, it being an odeal place for sports, more especially as Che programme consisted mainly of novelty events.

Mr. R. M. Chadwick moved that tho celebrations take place on one day, the 19th. This was carried and an amendment that the original programme of three days be adhered to was lost. it was decided to hold Che day celebrations at Nelson Park and the night portion on the Parade.

Major Crawshaw expressed hope that there would be no counter-attraction in town to attract Che children from the Park. They should be given a real good time.

On the motion of Mr. W. Harvey it was decided to recommend a sub-com-mittee to make arrangements to secure the use of merry-go-rounds, aerial boats and other such amusements, and that the children be given free rides. It was decided that all committees meet at the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday evening next to make final arrangements for the day, and also that a general meeting be held on the following Monday. TARADALE. A special meeting of the Peace Celebration Committee and subcommittees, was held on Saturday afternoon. Mr. W. G. Jarvis pre-’ siding. Present: —The Ladies’ Committee was represented by Mesdames Williamson, Gleuny, Ellis, Tareha, Patea, Martin, Campbel', Engebretsen, Larson and Miss Willis. An apology for the unavoidable absence of Mrs. Neagle was re-

ceived. The following gentlemen represented the General Committee . Messrs Jno. Williamson, Ellis, Howard. Maidens, Engebretsen, Piper, Watts and Larson (secretary). General regret was expressed at the meeting, that the New Zealand Government’s plans had been upset by the Home authorities necessitating the holding of the celebrations on the same day as at Napier and HastI ings. After some discussion it was j finally decided to proceed with the original programme, and make the entertainment of the children a special feature of the celebrations. Mt.

Piper reported that Pakowhai had already secured sufficient cars to take all their children in the procession, and also a few of their committee. The residents of his district would heartily co-operate in making the day memorable and entertaining. The catering of the children was in itself considered a big item, and to facilitate matters it was de cided to ascertain approximately the number likely to be present from each school centre also to hold a meeting of ladies from Meeanee. Papakura, Pakowhai, Waiohiki. Puketanii and Taradale, to decide upon the. work providing the refreshments It was resolved to put on at the Taradale Park a fancy dress football match on the Saturday afternoon. Mr. Williamson reported that the Education Department had notified that the school children would be allowed to assist in the celebrations, and it was decided to get the boys to take the kindling sticks on to the hills for the bonfires. The time originally appointed to start the bonfires and open the fire works disnlay on the Park was 7 p.m., but it was now cqnside-ed advi sable to hold the evening displays asoon after dark as possible so as t-< enable the children to be present The following programme wns de cided "upon: — 10.30 a.m. grand pro cession to Napier and back: 1 p.r . refreshments for the child-or. and others ; 2 p.m., opening function on Taradale Park ; 1 p.m.. le.'re-hments for children ; 6 p.rn. (approximately), bonfires on hills, fireworks on Park, and torchlight procession through the streets.

INVERCARGILL. The Peace Committee decided to hold the celebrations ou Saturday, July 19, and the following Monday and Tuesday, with a united church service on the Sunday. TRAIN CURTAILMENT. SAWMILLS MAY HAVE TO CLOSE. Invercargill, July 7. Regarding the restricted trains, the secretary oi the Boutinand Bawimlliug Company said that unless the lesnictions on" the carriage oi timber were removed shortly the mills throughout Boutinand would Have to close, remlering idle 6UU men. Tne Chamber oi Commerce has decided to asK tne Government wnat is being done to remedy the coal shortage. BOOT FACTORIES ALSO. Auckland, July 7. The fact that the Railway Department is refusing to carry- boots and shoes as freight during the restriction jienod was discussed at a miieting of the Board ot Control of the boot industry, comprising manufacturers and operatives. The chairman explained the position, stating that in a very short period the boot factories would have to close down should the department's jxilicy be continued. Other manuiacturers present spoke in a similar strain.

Mr. Watts. secretary to the Boot and Shoe Operatives’ tnwn, strongly urged members of Parliament to do all in their power to procure relief for the trade. In this connection he said it was absurd that large privately owned utilities could obtain all the coal they required while Slate-owned railways were hampered through lack of it. Sir Frederick Lang expressed sympathy with the trade in regard to the disabilities quoted. At his suggestion a telegram, signed by himself and other members of Parliament present, was drafted to the Minister for Railways. This stated that “at a conference with boot manufacturers and operatives a most serious situation has been disclosed because of the department's refusal to carry boots and shoes, and that in a few weeks tho Auckland factories would bo compelled to close, throwing 400 operatives out of employment.” The message strongly urged reconsideration of the boot freight restrictions.

WAIKATO PROTEST. P.EER CARRIED. ESSENTIALS EXCLUDED. Wellington, July S.. The Hamilton dairy industry is suffering through the restrictions on traffic. Materials needed for extension and repairs of numerous factories are held up. and this is likely to s -riously disorganise next season’s business. The coal i-nnirianics ha vent the suyge-tion of Mr. J. A. Young M.P.. offered to lend the Department sulfirt- nt coal for the advantage of their urgent requir-’nients. Mr. Young wired t.he Minister of Railways, urging "that every effort l.e trad ■ to carry essentials, and .-lating that presumably the coal position on the Auckland section had improved during the past, frrtviur'it. hours. a< is evidenced by the fa ’t that a rundgnce at Hnnt’lt r r-.‘e : vcd <t. Friday five tons nf beer which one would hardly credit th* 1 Departm- nt with having authorised to !.■ scheduled as absolutely esseu. t. i! urdo.-s coal stocks bad 1-- nrov-d A re you and Cabinet power 1 -ss "t<’Kt ”•"1 ♦’>? uryent’y -o ,:iy. <’ ‘ *. • • _ i..-. • r idotl’iny ’ria r k t.s a•- •! d?" - hv’torv r-q’t’revrents. ~ as equally ‘essentia! to the well-

being of the community as beer. A tew more days of the present policy and unemployment will be widespread.” Mr. Young also wired to the Act-ing-Premier, urging, "That Cabinet devise means to assist the Department to meet urgent transport for dairy' cows. The fact that a Hamilton consignee received five tons of beer on F riday is incensing the public. Early action by the Cabinet is imperative.”

The “Southland Times” states: —“A caller the other day directed Jtiention very pointedly to a difference between the advertisement published on Tuesday with respect to the conveyance of goods by the ‘coal-saving’ railway service and that which appeared on Monday. in Monday’s advertisement it was stated in a separate line that beer, wine, and spirits would not be carried, with the NOT in capital letters. When tne advertisement. appeared in Tuesday’s issue, however, this fine had vanished, and beer, wine, and spirits appeared in the list of goods that would be carried. The inquirer asked if we could supply any reason for the change in the Department’s decision between Monday and Tuesday morning, or for the inclusion of beer, wine, and spirits in the restricted list of traffic which the Department is willing to handie while the service is severely reduced. Communication with the Department elicited the information that the railways are carrying beer, wine, and spirits, and that the announcement made on Monday was a mistake, but no explanation was vouchsafed. At a time when room in railway trucks is at a premium, and w;hen the Department is refusing practically all traffic except that in essentials,” comments the "Times,” "it is not easy to suggest offuaud a reason why beer, wine, and spirits should be carried. At any rate we do not profess to be able to offer any explanation.” THE COAL SHORTAGE. Christchurch, July 7. The Christchurch City Council last night had rather a heated discussion regarding the activities of the council’s special coal committee, but eventually the action of the Mayor and committee was approved by a majority of the council. Councillor Agar, in criticism of the council’s purenase of coal for the city, said this coal would be sold at 4/7 per bag ex the yard and the same or better class of coal could be sold to the merchants at 4/a bag delivered. He declared the City Council’s action had resulted in the raising of the price of coal on the West Coast by 3/- a ton. Labour councillors defended the committee’s action, Cr. Armstrong stating that the coal combine must be broken by the city of Christchurch. NO COAL BEING EXPORTED. With reference to the resolutions that have been recently passed by the Federated Seamen and the Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, protesting against the exportation of coal from the Dominion, the Hon. Arthur Myers, Minister in Charge of coal Distribution, pointed out that only a few days ago he had made a definite announcement that absolutely no coal was being exported from the Dominion except for bunkering ships, and that given in exchange to the Admiralty for equivalent quantities of Newcastle coal. With regard to the endorsement by the Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of the action of the Well-

ington waterside workers in refus-

ing to work the Admiralty collier I’.arwon recently, he had already fully explained the arrangements made in regard to this shipment, and could only add that in his opinion the New Zealand Government was under a moral obligation to replace the coal which the Dominion had acceped and allocated to keep our essential industries going. THE TERRITORIALS. LEWIS GUN TRAINING. Wellington, July 8. A section of the Territorial forces are to be trained in the use of the Lewis gun as well as the standard machine gun. In the later stages in France there were 32 Lewis guns to 1 every battalion. Sufficient machine ! gun equipment is to come from the Lnited Kingdom and France to New Zealand to equip two divisions of infantry and one mounted. DEFENCE STAFF PERSONNEL. IMPENDING CHANGES. Wellington, July 8. Considerable interest, is iwiiig evinced regarding ioruhcumuig cuuuges nt me Doience atari. The oidimuy viaiuing ot territorials and senior Cadets liauug been interrupted on account of the war, it has become urgently necessary to complete tho former esiaolisnmeut of officers and N.C.Os, so tnat the training ot New Zealand’s citizen army may be iuily resumed by tne beginning ot next year, in order to do tins the services ot many officers and N.U.O.'s are required and as it is pi eierred tnat inese as tar as possible should be returned soldiers, it is expected that while a few temporary appointments to the Staff Corps may now be made, the wtioie of tne applications wilt not be determined until after demobilisation is completed, when all wul go before a special board ot selection. It is reported that it will be laid down that omcers commanding the lour military districts shall be men with modern war experience and that in pursuance of tins Brigadier-Generals ! Melville and Young, now tn England, i have been cabled lor to take rue coniI mands of Wellington and Canterbury (districts, respecutely. Coionel Potter will remain temporarily in command of Auckland district, while Lieut.-Col. Macdonald, now temporarily commanding the Wellington district, will assume temporary command of Otago district.

The death occurred in Wellington on Friday of Mr. iticuard iicnry U ilson, who was well known in business circles in the Ueliington district.

At to-day’s H.B. Rivers’ Board meeting it. was decided that the Board call a meeting at. Hastings and Napier of all Lie ratepayers of (lie Rivers Board district for the purpose of discussing tne bill and explainmc the engineer’s report. The engineer's ieport was briefly discussed at. the Rivers Board meet ing to-day and it was decided that the engineers be asked to meet th: board at Napier this day fortnight to go into details.

At to-day’s FI.B. Rivers Board meeting it was decided that the Board’s engineer be instructed t.e prepare a survey and an estimate of the cost of an enbankment as provided in the engineer’s scheme, on t’-c South side of the Tutaekuri channel overtlow, from the overdoto about, ten chains passed Brock field bridge. The M’n’ster of Defence Ci James Alien) has written to Dr. FL T. J. Thacker. M.P., on the subje-1 of Territorial camns under the proposed teaming scheme : "In renly ’.-> your letter of June 25. should tie n-ono-ci’s F have nut forward wit', .•egrp-d to Territorial training be • I-»•*''••1. it ’•••?! be necessary tn b.-”o •■'•m o- tn-re Te—-ltorn! ca»-.r>s t' r - T.l i-'.d -;s e'l as : n r.i-A No-ti-T’ e-e.in •• y n" : o- n. should be more or less jtermancjit,”