DOMINION NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1940, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS

A HARBOUR MISHAP.

(Per Press Association—Copyright;

WELLINGTON, December 5

Caught by a strong gust of wind at low tide this afternoon while berthing, at the. Rona Bay wharf, the C.obar, the remaining ship in the East Harbour ferry service, bumped on tin. southern end of the wharf, and began to drift inshore. She ended up aground almost parallel to the shore’ with the stern a few yards from the wharf. A full gale was blowing, and clouds of spray flew as the waves broke against the steamer’s side. At times she rolled heavily. With the aid of the rising tide, the tug Terawhiti pulled the ferry off the beach about two hours and a half later.

AN APPRECIATION.

WELLINGTON, December 5

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) has received the following message from the British Minister for Aircraft Production, Lord Beaverbrook. “Were any fresh evidence necessary of the utter devotion of the people oi your Dominion to the Empire’s cause it would be overwhelmingly provided by the contribution sent to me by your High Commissioner in London for the purchase of fighter aircraft. Our hearts are uplifted, our spirits fortified by .this magnificent gesture of support. You enable us to strike even harder blows at the evil forces of Nazi and Fascist aggression, bringing nearer the day when the hosts of Hitler and his, Italian jackal will for ever bite the dust. In sending to the Dominion of New Zealand this expression of my heartfelt gratitude and thanks I know I speak for the whole British nation, and indeed, for all in every land'.who love freedom. ’’—Beaverbrook.

'CHRISTMAS CAROLS WELLINGTON HOSPITAL

WELLINGTON, December 4.

In view of the overcrowded condition of tlie wards in the Wellington Hospital and. the fact that several wards are away from the main buildings, it is proposed to discontinue . the carol-singing by nurses on Christmas Eve. In the past, one or tw-o church choirs have sung carols round -the wards, and no doubt this will be done again this year. It is also, suggested that the paper decorations be discontinued. and that the nursing staff confine the decorating to flowers, of- which large quantities are received Christmas week.

BAKEHOUSE WRECKED

WHANGAREI. December 4

Apparently due to a defect in the steam pipe system, an explosion partly wrecked the bakehouse of Mr R. D. Johnson at Kawakawa on Saturday morning. As the force of the explosion was directed toward the back of the building, Mr Johnson and an employee who were working in the front, were not injured. The back of the oven was blown out and an 18-inch wall broken. The chimney was brought down and crashed through the roof. Two months ago a similar explosion occurred,, but then little damage was caused. It will be two weeks before the damage can be repaired.

£34,000 POST OFFICE TE KUTTI, December 4. A tender of. £34,536 for'the erection of the new Te Kuiti post office has been accepted. It will be an imposing two-storey building, the upper storey of which will be entirely devoted to the use of the land development branch staff.