TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1920, Page 1

TELEGRAMS

[l-nn FUKSS ASSOCIATION.- COPYRIGHT-]

RAILWAYMEN’S dispute. WELLINGTON, This Day

During the past few days there has been no further developments in regard to the dispute between the Railway Unions and Government. The three organisations concerned are waiting the promised interview . with Mr Massey and it is understood this is to oe arranged as soon as possible after the ■Raster holidays. Meantime a oallot is taking place amongst the A.S.R.S and is returnable on the 17tli April. It is understood the proposals were submitted to the men in the following form: Do you authorise the executive to accept the proposals as contained in Justice Stringer’s report, or as an alternative decline to accept the increase otfcrecl and authorise the oxcutive to call a strike in order to enforce our demands.

A number of men say they arc opposed to both proposals and suggested third issue should have been added, as they think it was still open or further negotiation.

.Meanwhile attention is drawn to 'he fact that the Railway Department will on next pay day include in each mail s wages or salary .the bonus recommended by Justice Stringer, dating from January Ist last. It is stated the Younger and more militant members of the service have intimated their intention of refusing to accept the bonus, but whether they wilil carry out ihoir threat when the extra pay is offered them, remains to be seen.

HEAVY DAMAGE DONE. AUCKLAND, This Day. According to a telegram from Paparoa on Monday, news from the outlying districts confirms the report that widespread devastation lias been caused by Saturday’s flood. At Mania, six miles inland from Mntakolie, the creeks overflowed, the farms were flooded, and tlie settlers suffered severely. Mnrerctu bridge, over the Kikowliiti stream, was destroyed. Settlers on the north side are isolated. A temporary bridge at the Miaale Settlement has also gone. There are numerous slips on the main outlet roads of Parnlii and Mntakobe back districts. Two bridges have carried away. At Hukatere, a bridge has gone, and numerous slips on the main outlet roads at Paildekie. A link of the railway line under construction, connectng with the Main Trunk, suffered severely from slips, and will involve a set-back to tie works of probably twelve months. Road traffic is blocked by slips. . At Otainatca and country road bridges were severely damaged by land slips. Fencing was carried away in all directions. In Wairu all the original wooden bridges, 20 or 25, were carried away, only a large concrete bridge remaining. Some repair work is being carried out by gangs of men.

an inquest. WELLINGTON, This Dav. The inquest concerning the mysterious death 'of Eliza Jane Hebbard, whoso body was found in the harbour on Friday last, was opened yesterday, and was adjourned to April 12th. It lias now been .suggested that the wounds were inflicted by fish, possibly a young shark, while the woman was in the water. In support of this theory it has been said that the unfortunate woman may have fallen into the water it some spot where it was shallow, and may have floated off to be attacked later bv fish. A LIVELY MEETING STRATFORD, This Ray. Hon Mr Hino addressed a crowded meeting at Stratford, vigorously reply-1 inir to Mr Masters and justifying the petitioner’s action in upsetting the election, maintaining it was the Government's duty to interfere in any election where a candidate broko the law. A lively meetng concluded with the passing of a resolution, "Congratulating Hon. Mr TTinc, first for his clean politics, and confidence in him,” amidst cheering and uproar.