DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 98, 20 December 1912, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

THE STRANDING OF THE WEKA

(Per Press Association.) Napier, December 19

A magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the Weka at Porarigahau last October was held before Mr McCarthy, S.M., and Captains Post and Petersen (assessors). The evidence went to show that the weather was hazy, and that the seamen on duty failed to detect land or hear the breakers till the vessel humped. Skipper Harrelsen had been on duty practically the whole of the previous day, and was just about to go below when the mishap occurred. The Court will give its decision this afternoon.

THE TANNING INDUSTRY

Auckland, December 19

A deputation consisting of Messrs Warnock and dagger, representing the tanning interests of Auckland, interviewed the Minister of Customs (Mr Fisher) to-day to urge upon him to introduce an export tax on New Zealand hides. It was pointed out that the eost of hides had risen in a few years from 2d or 3d per pound to lOd and lOkl, cine to the worldwide demand for New Zealand hides, onr hides being free from many of the defects noticeable in hides from South Africa, Queensland and other places. The local demand remained unsatisfied as the result of this big drain, and the industry was, therefore, seriously affected. Idle Minister said that there was not the slightest hope of the present Government acceding to such a request,. By doing so they would he opening the way for similar

requests in connection with other natural products, such as butter, meat, wool. etc. That would never do, and it was as well that the position should he clear!v understood.