DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1925, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] GOITRE AMONG MAORIS. ' AUCKLAND, April 17. In his anthropological study of the Maori people, Dr P. H. Buck, Director of Maori Hygiene, has discovered that they were, as a rule, free from tlio tendency to goitre which is now manifesting itself to 11 considerable extent among European colonists. This, he told the Dental Conference, lie attributes, to a large extent, to the fact that their foods contained constituents which arc said to lie lacking in that consumed by Europeans. Goitre was definitely known to the Maoris, the doctor said; in point of fact they identified it by the word “tengn,” * which signified “large neck.” Tlie- disease occurred most frequently among inland tribes, where, in 0110 case, he had traced it. in the history of one family, through four generations. To the coastal tribes it was virtually unknown, and the fact was attributed to the consumption by their people of an edible seaweed, known as “kareiigo,” which made a palatable article of diet, and of which lie was personally very fond.

A GARAGE BURNT. PAIHATTA, April 18. A tire early this morning completely destroyed the W.fI.C.A. large garage on Manoahio road. A large number of motors were destroyed. COMMISSIONER OF TAXES. ■WELLINGTON, April 17. Mr Donald George Clark, C.8.E.. Commissioner of Taxes, is to retire on superannuation shortly.

Mr Clark is one of the best known men in the Civil Service, and one of the most highly esteemed, both ior his ntany fine personal attributes, and lor his great ability and authoritative knowledge on all taxation questions. Horn in Wellington lie joined the Property Tax Department in 1885. In 1001 he was appointed an inspector in the Land and Income Tax Department and, in 1913, lie became Deputy-Com-missioner of Taxes, lilt- billowing year he was appointed Commissioner and lie lias field that position with distinction ever since. For his services during the war Mr Chirk was awarded the 0.R.E., and last year was raised to C.li.E. As Government officer at the Christchurch Exhibition in 1 GOD -Mr Clark did a considerable amount of good work.

When the Estimates were under consideration during last session ol Parliament. highly eulogistic references were made to Mr Clark’s work lor the State -and suitable recognition of his services was made by the Ilortse. on a proposal submitted by the Loader ol the Opposition and cordially endorsed by the Prime Minister.

ROWING ( I.UR EIRE. CHRISTCHURCH, April I!). The Avon Rowing Chili’s boat shed i n the river Avon, a two-storey wooden building, was .gutted by fire earlv tliis morning eight limits being destroyed, including the racing plant and others damaged. Thu chill’s annual social was held last night, and when the gathering bnd:e up, there was no sign of the (ire, which broke out two hours later. The damage is estimated at LI HOT. SEAMAN INJURE!). WELLINGTON, April I!). While working on the Ripa at the wharf on Saturday afternoon, a seaman named John Pulkinson, aged .TO, sidi'ered severe injuries to the head and neck, through bottle; struck with a living hawser. The vessel was using a stern line for a spring, when it caught under 11 holt lag, and jumped clear. Pulkinson was struck under tin- cliiii and Idled, lie sustained a fractured skull, and a severe cut on the chin. He was removed to llio I hospital. THE RAILWAYS. WELLINGTON. April 10. Mr Gillvrl S. l.ymle, who inis he" 1 appointed to Hu- position ol t loci Mechanical Engineer ol the New Zealand Railways in succession to Mr E. E. Gillon (retired) arrived in Wellington by the Ruuhiiic from Southampton on Saturday. -Mr l.ymle, whose salarv will lie LIKE ids per .venr, began his career with the Great Central Radway in England, lie is thirty-seven ears of n;- -. an i is married. lln has one son.

Serving jus anpr -nt ii csliiii at the Gorton Workshops, Mr l.ymle remained there until a lew years Indore the war, and was engaged lor a short per-

iod mi private engineering work in Latin America.