VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

West Coast Times, 19 March 1910, Page 4

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

TELEGRAMS.

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ANOTHER EDUCATION SQUABBLE DUNEDIN, March 18.—The Board at yesterday’s meeting considered the action of the Education Department in attempting to reduce the staff of some of the schools in terms of the Order-in-Council dated December last. The Otago Board is advised that this order is ultra vires, the Minister having no power to calculate attendance, except under the Act, and under table A of the Order-in-Council. The Board intend to test the case in. the Supreme Court.

ASSISTING PROFESSOR BICKERTON. WELLINGTON, March 18.

As a result of the deputation which waited on the Premier some time ago, the Cabinet lias decided to aid Professor Bickevton, of Christchurch, to proceed to England and Europe to lay before scientists there his “Partial Impact” theory. It was decided yesterday to subsidise up to £3OO any amount raised by subscriptions for that purpose. The subsidy will be on the £1 for £1 basis. A DESTRUCTIVE FIREu AVBLLINGTON, March 18.—A fire this morning destroyed the upholstering works of Ivan Thompson. The contents of fibre, cloths, kapoc, etc., were not insured. The building was owned by John Myers and insured for £9OO in the Commercial Union .

TRESSPASSING CHARGES DISMISSED.

WELLINGTON, March 18.—The charges against two officials of a Pony and Galloway Racing Club of trespassmissed by the Magistrate. SCHOOL CAPITATION GRANT. DUNEDIN, March 17.—0n the subject of the withdrawal of the ninepenny grant to School Commiteecs, the Education Board resolved on Mr Mitchell’s motion:—“ This Board cannot refrain from expressing regret that the Minister should perpetuate the injustice of giving general application to a particular isolated instance, and assure the Minister that the Board rather than curtail the allowances to Committees, have given full effect to the desire of the Department and relieved them of previous financial responsibilities.” FIRE AT NAPIER. NAPIER, March 18.—A nine-roomed dwelling at Papakura owned and occupied by Henry Harvey, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon, as the result of a drum of tar igniting. The house was insured for £4OO in the National. Tile furniture was not insured.

TECHNICAL SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS. DUNEDIN, March 18.—Miss Ellen Helen Allan, of Auckland, has been appointed instructor of cookery in schools under the Otago Board. Edward Wentzcl, at present in the service of the North Canterbury Board, has been appointed wood-work instructor under the Board.

POCKET WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY CHRISTCHURCH, March 18.—According to a letter received by a resident of Christchurch from a German friend, the pocket wireless apparatus mentioned in yesterday’s cable is the invention of Monsignor Cerebotani, Papal Nuncio at Munich. The apparatus is a pocket receiver like a large watch, containing a reel of wire and with it goes a cane cased in a metal receiver which has an indicator on, its face. The apparatus is used by uncoiling the wire and fastening it at the highest available branch of a tree and connecting it with the receiver. The 'metal cane is stuck in the ground and also connected with the receiver. The operator is then ready to receive messages from any wireless station within 20 or 30 miles, his only care being to watch the movements of the needle on the indicator dial which points to the various letters or signs in accordance with the impulses received from the sending station. The apparatus cannot, of course, be used for the transmission of messages. The letter states the invention is receiving the attention of German military authorities. WANGANUI RAND CONTEST. WANGANUI, March 18.—Bass Trombones—L. Holdaway (Blenheim) 113, 11. Birmingham (Wanganui) 112, G. Boyd (Wanganui) 110. Horn Solo—C. Hansen (Nelson) 115, Bowes (Wanganui) 111, T. Williams (Gisborne) 109. BUTTER BOXES. AUCKLAND, March 17.—1n the course of an interview Mr George Lush, Chairman of Directors of the Kauri Timber Company had something to say about the reported proposal to in.port Japanese timber to Australia for butter-box purposes. Up to the present the manufacture of butter boxes in Australasia has been practically monopolised by New Zealand kahikatea which is eminetly suited for the purpose owing to its non-pdourless quality and its lightness, but according to Sydney experts a bid is about to be made against its supremacy. Mr Lush, however, is of opinion that the report has very little ground for foundation. Some buyer whose contract has “squeezed” him may feel annoyed with the position, and has begun to talk of opposition sources, or it may be that some speculative people have thought of entering into the butter-box business, but at present he does not see how the New Zealand timber is likely to be supplanted, rs it so thoroughly fills the requirements. Mr Lush, in fact, considers thj whole rumour may be discounted very considerably.