DOMINION ITEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12198, 16 April 1909, Page 7

DOMINION ITEMS

(Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, April 15

Sir Joseph Ward, in a communication to the Dunedin "Star," says that the decision to stop the Roxburgh-Lawrence line pending Parliament reviewing the position was unalterable. The Otago central last year resulted in <m abnormally low return of six shillings per cent—a deficiency on the 3 jver cent, basis of £54,t558, and he estimated the Roxburgh line would prove nearly as disastrous. The suggestion that Southland influences had been responsible for the Government's action was baseless and without warrant, while the wretched suggestion that it had been done to finish the district because of staunch opposition was almost too contemptible to be considered in a matter of ouch vital import.

WELLINGTON, April 15. There were ten new bankruptcies m Wellington during the first quarter of the present year, against seven in the corresponding quarter last year. ELTHAM,* April 15. At a poll of borough ratepayers yesterday a proposal to raise a £10,000 loan for the construction of gasworks, was carried.

WAIROA, April 15. Rua, with a large party, was at Ramoto to-day, en route to Nuhaka. Inquiries are being made as to the prospects of getting up a party to prosepect the Urewera Country, under the proclamation just issued.

AUCKLAND, April 15. The Trades and Labour Council resolved to make the following remits to the conference:—To adopt the general principles of the Hon. Guinness's national accident insurance scheme; to nationalise the iron industry; a FailRent Bill; a Right to Work Bill; to utilise all water power available; to re-affirm compulsory preference to Unionists; taxation of unimproved values; protection of witnesses after giving evidence.