TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1920, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association. —copyright.]

EXPLAINED

AUCKLAND, My 3

The owner of yacht Bessie, found deserted off Brown’s Island, states 1 e anchored the craft owing to bad weatlibr and was conveyed to Auckland by a launch.

FREEZING WORKS STOPPED AUCKLAND, May 3

Owing to tho congestion due to the shortage of shipping, the freezing works at Southdown closed on Saturday Uorotiu works will he closed on 'Wednesday. The Wostfield Freezing Coy is working at half capacity.

REPORTED 'SMALLPOX, CASES DUNEDIN, May 3

Two cases have been under observation by the health authorities. One turns out to be something quite different to smallpox, whilst the other is not typical of smallpox, which occurs in Europe and Asia, but appears to bo a very mild form of smallpox widen resembles chickenpox. There ia ?io cause for alarm, but the district health officer is of opinion it is advisable that persons be vaccinated as a precautionary measure.

TWO GUN ACCIDENTS. WAIROA, May 3

Two gun shot accidents were reported at Wairoa Hospital yesterday. Hati Torometi, a middle aged native picked up a gun when it suddenly exploded blowing off his right hand and also severely injuring his eye and other parts of the body. An amputation was performed. D. Broombie of Opoutania was handling a gun carelessly when it exploded, badly shattering bis arm.

Both men are doing well at present

SI AUG HTERMEN STRIKE. CHRISTCHURCH, May *

The slaughtermen at the New Zealand Refrigerating Coy’s works ceased work tliis morning. The trouble is due to the men refusing to place identification tickets on the sheep killed and dressed by them. The management insisted on'this as-a duty to be carried out. The butchers numbering between • and SO then walked off the boards. There was trouble at others works also. At other works this morning, trounle arose over the same matter, but it ■as amicably carried out. The use ol che identification tags has been in abeyance during the period of the commandeer. It only lately has been reverted to by the employers.

GISBORNE POSTAL OFFICERS GISBORNE, May 3.

Before a record attendance, at a meeting of the P. and T. Officers’ Association. the following resolution was passed: “'That this meeting of the Gisborne section strongly supports the Executive Committee in the measures which have been taken to gain fair remuneration for the officers of the Department, and further pledges itself to support tiie Executive in any further legitimate action it may deem it necessary to take to bring the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion. The Branch also congraulates the railwaymen on tho success of their efforts to . obtain remuneration commensurate with the increased cost of living.

Til AM FAKES RAISED. CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. That increases in fares on tile tramways had been decided upon by the Christchurch Tramway Board was announced at the Board’s open • meeting this afternoon. The recommendations included making tire minimum fare for adults two pence. An increase in the prices of concession tickets has also been decided upon. The price of tickets formerly sold at Is, is becoming Is Gd ; and that of tickets sold at 3s is becoming 4s. The discount increases in proportion as the journey lengthens. These tickets are not to be ifvailabie on Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday, and they are to be used by only one person on each journey. In other words a passenger may not “shout” a ride for a friend, 't here is to be a reduction in the number of rides represented by school children and apprentices’ tickets. Sunday fares arc increased after the first section, a ride on which will cost 2d as on weekdays. Prices of seaside return tickets are to be raised. The Chairman (.Hon J. Barr) said the cost of material in daily use had been increased considerably. In addk tion heavy increased expenditure had been caused by repeated increases in wages. The latest announcement of the Arbitration Court w’ould add a further £8,500 to the wages bill. The increase in price per concession tickets was so regulated, said Mr Barr, that the principle of reducing the cost of transit in accordance with the distance carried was maintained and the regular rider was charged a lower fare. MISHAP TO INGA. WELLINGTON*, May 3. The steamer Inga, R. S. Lamb and Co., Sydney left Newcastle for Wanganui, on April 23rd. She struck some obstacle when about 50 miles off Wanganui at 3.40 a.m. yesterday. As she was found to be leaking, Captain. Bull steered for Wellington, and arrived here this morning. The extent of the damage is not yet known. The vessel has 1000 tons of coal for the Wanganui Gasworks. She is also carrying 100 tons hardwood.