GENERAL NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22348, 13 June 1934, Page 7

GENERAL NEWS

EXHIBITION PROPOSED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 12. Mr Hislop proposes to call together next week the committee which in 1929 was favourable to holding an exhibition in Wellington in 1940, the centenary year. Meantime inquiries are being made in various directions in order that something concrete can be placed before the meeting. Mr Hislop mentioned that one proposal would be that the exhibition should be the New Zealand centenary exhibition held in Wellington as the capital city. YACHT'S TOUR TO ENGLAND. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 12. The yacht Vision from Auckland reached Brisbane on Monday, according to advice received to-day. The vessel left Auckland on April 18 with England as the probable objective. The message stated that the Vision arrived 18 days out from Norfolk. It was a calm trip with light head winds. All are well. The crew of the Vision comprises Commander H. M. Montague, R.N. (retired), Mrs Montague and Mr and Mrs Alan Temple, all of the Bay of Islands, and Mr M. O. Guthrie, of Wellington. After leaving Auckland the .yacht called at Kerikeri, Whangaroa and Parengarenga, North Auckland, sailing from the last-named place on May 12. Norfolk Island was reached on May 21. When the voyagers left Auckland they had in view an extensive cruise which, although definite plans had not been made so far ahead, it was believed would ultimately take them to England. SHIPPING FREIGHTS. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 12. Basing their claim on the fact that there has been an all round reduction in commodity prices, the New Zealand Importers’ Federation are requesting the Imperial Shipping Committee to reduce freights from the United Kingdom to New Zealand. The federation believes that increased imports offset the reduction and suggests that shipping companies’ working costs are reducible by reducing the number of loading ports on the New Zealand coast. UNIQUE CASE. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 12. A case which Mr P. J. O'Regan, counsel for plaintiff, said was absolutely unique, came before the Arbitration Court to-day. It was a claim for compensation by a man whose sense of balance had been impaired through his being struck on the head by a quantity of falling metal in the Waimuomata tunnel. Mr O’Regan said the Court was asked only to decide the amount of compensation. Plaintiff was in the same condition now practically as after the accident. He walked like a drunken man and could not keep his balance. Dr. W. Robertson, in evidence, said the chances against his recovery were nine to one.

The court awarded £659 18/2, less compensation already paid. Plaintiff was James Guthrie Stevens, labourer, and defendant Francis Twomey, contractor. CLOSING OF FORESTRY SCHOOL. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 12. The Board of Governors of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, decided to-day that because of the importance of forestry to the farming industry, the board" should protest to the Government against the closing of the school of forestry 7. In the discussion Dr. Denham said that qualified students had only the Government service in which to seek jobs in New Zealand. They had an asset of £50,000,000 in forestry, but could not absorb trained men. Mr John Deans: I think there is a certain amount of jealousy. The department appears inclined to promote labourers to positions instead of trained men. Mr W. A. Banks said that many errors had been made in forestry work by the department on the West Coast. Planting had been carried out in ground altogether unsuitable. He thought there were probably only two men in the department who were qualified for the work. The North Canterbury farmers and local bodies will forward to the Hons. G. W. Forbes and R. Masters in a few days a statement stating the grounds for the protest against the closing of the school.

TAX ON FIREMEN. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 12. The Christchurch Fire Board at a meeting to-night, had before it a letter from the Audit Inspector drawing attention to non-payment by members of the brigade of the unemployment tax in respect of free quarters provided at the central station. The board was asked to assess the value of such accommodation for the period since the tax was imposed in respect of each person concerned. The board decided to write to the Auditor General, stating that under the agreement of service between the board and members of the brigade, the men were to be provided with free quarters.