DOMINION ITEMS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 3 February 1909, Page 7

DOMINION ITEMS.

(Per Press Association.J

INVERCARGILL, February ]. Tho oyster season cpaned to-day. The weather was fine, and the dredging flest obtained large hauls. ~"' The annual report of the Southland Frozen Meat Company shows that after writing off for depreciation ' £5889, there remains a sum of £11,486, from which tha directors recommend tlie payment of a dividend of 5 per cent, and a. bonus of 1 per cent., and to transfer to the reserve" £4000, to transfer , to tho insurance reserve £1000', and to carry forward £3773. Compared with the previous year, the season was not quite so favourabl-3 for fattening stock, with tho result that about; 70,000 less sheep and lambs were handled. In view of tho increasing demands of the company's business, considerable additions will bo made to the building and plant at Mataura and Bluff.

WELLINGTON, February 2. The 'Times" this morning publishes some correspondence between the Rev. Father Hickson, Administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese, and the managing editor of that paper. The former take.3 exception to statements in a signed, letter published by the "Times" as an attack en religion, and says if anything further of the same nature, were, to appear "I should have to seriously consider the advisability of counselling those under my care not to aduiit.your paper into their -homes".",1 * The. editor points out what is meant by ..freedom of tho press, and says that -though disagreeing Svith the" writer's statements ho considers when a man has the courage to'sign his name to what ho believes ■•th-ero ■js;lio reasoji-for refusing' publicityiv>antl for thoso who disOgree's-vnth Hiim''to place th-cir views ■ori record" in"the' same way. Ho adds: "If T hear of any instance in which you counsel tliq£e under care not to admit this" paper: into their hoinfs, I will.take such steps as will be calculated to preserve ' its '■ interests, and at the same time'expose,the peculiar tactics. t>> which you have threatened to-resort."

DU.NEDIN, February 2. ; Tli9 Hon. Thps. Mackenzie reached To Anau last night overland from MiTford Sound. The American waipiti lamletl at Doubtful Sound in 1905 was found to be evidently increasing. The track .from'the head of Gorge Sound to Te Anau was inspected. "The hut wsk in ruins, the boat sniashed, and the bridges down. The Minister considers it would not be wise to spend more wepney/on -th?s ■.track; The track from JVlilfcrd Glade House to tho Sound was in goo 1 order and makes rxcelent walking, while the•'accommodation was entirely satisfactory, so that any complaints from tourists a-e not likrly to hi .heard again. Mr Mattho.vs. ihe Chief Ff-i-estcr, found three new plants on -Balloon Peak, namely, a handsome Ranunculus, a fine Olsaria, and ihc Oracophyllnm.

OAMARU, February 2

Keener interest than usual' is'being taken in tho Harbour. Board; e'ec'ion, ;M'd. for the first time after a lapse of years tho three Borough soats will bo contested. -Secen candidates aro nominated, only one of whim is a retiring menibsr. *, Messrs Marshal. Monson, and Brownlio retire fi'om the Board.