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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 18, 1920
Page
5
The Presa Association notes a surge in robberies burglaries hold ups and murders in New York with silversmiths protesting to the Mayor demanding better police protection and planning to appeal to the Governor. It cites over 100 unsolved murders this year and mentions forming a vigilante body to guard jewelers.
A returned soldier, Major Labartt, shot his wife dead and killed eight policemen at Moss Vale. Police finally breached the barricade after two hours and arrested him. The incident unfolds as a major violent outbreak ending in a manhunt and multiple deaths.
A Senate committee will investigate nationwide issues in the building trades as officials from large steel companies testified in New York that they refused to sell steel to contractors unless non union labor was also used alongside union labor, indicating wider labor tensions.
A fire broke out shortly before 7 this morning in the cargo hold of the Remuera at King's Wharf Wellington. Firefighters fought for hours, extinguishing one outbreak and saving the vessel. Wool and flax were destroyed. this marks the third fire of the same type on overseas ships in Wellington this year.
Wool trades in London show firmer demand for home and Continental orders with likely German purchases. Prices hold steady while volumes rise. Bradford market remains unchanged with quotations for most qualities nominal.
London markets report wheat quiet flour steady barley, oats dull. Australian spot quoted 84s to 95s per quarter La Plata 45s to 45s 6d per cwt. Peas and beans dull. Granulated sugar 80s per cwt. Freights easier with Australian prompt charters at about 50s per ton.
The Christmas poultry entry was smaller than prior years with a follow up sale slated for next week. Poultry ranged from hens 2s 6d to 6s 6d per pair, ducks 63 to 12s, geese 12s to 16s, pigs fats £4 to £6 1s, weaners 20s to 45s, porkers £3 5s to £4 per pair.
Gough and Son announce a Great Anti-Dumping Sale in Tancred Street to curb overseas surplus stock by cutting regular high-grade footwear prices below those of inferior imports. Shoppers urged to compare reductions and save substantial money on boot bargains.
A descriptive note explains limpets form a sun vacuum under their shells and are pressed to rocks by atmospheric weight, accounting for their strong grip and the difficulty of removing them.
The American government orders Martens, the Soviet ambassador, deported for alleged affiliation with an organization seeking to overthrow the U S government by force. The action follows Martens efforts to secure supplies for Russia by negotiating with contractors in Washington.
The Sydney session ends amid chaos as the government pushes through a land redistribution bill funded by long dated bonds. the opposition warns of disaster for Holders as finance houses push land out of occupation. Firearms laws seek broad prohibition with heavy penalties and safety duties on parents.
Belgrade reports Bulgaria’s ongoing refusal to fulfill Neuilly Treaty clauses on Yugoslavia. Bulgaria allegedly keeps a regular army of 40,000 and fails to deliver coal. The London dispatch notes the Bulgarian government ordered suspension of communications with Yugoslavia as of December 17.
Reports from London say trouble in Czecho Slovakia stems from Bolshevik activity. Seven killed and 19 wounded in a clash between police and communists at Bruer. Martial law declared in Moravia. a dozen revolutionary committee members arrested at Kladno with documents showing Moscow paymasters. Movement checked, public life resuming.
A Senate bill seeks to repeal a civil code clause that required wife obedience. Senator Louis Martin argues for a constitutional shift, while Senator Collin warns that removing a home head could invite Bolshevism. Debate on the measure is postponed.
Swarms of bees die of starvation during a harsh English summer, with many hives starving as nectar and pollen stores run low. Beekeepers report increased losses and stress on colonies across the countryside.
The West Yorkshire Woollen Manufacturers' Association of 24 firms protests the government's two year wool reserves after the armistice. They call it unjust interference with trade, say it causes a collapse in the woollen industry, and note thousands of workers already idle or on reduced pay. They demand full abandonment of price controls to restore stability.
Paris reports M. Caillaux publishes a life years book and launches a provocative attack on England and Clemenceau. He declares intent to emerge from obscurity to reenter French politics amid ongoing upheaval.
Messrs Gough and Son of Tancred Street cut prices to offset surplus dumping of Australian Boots in Ashburton. They offer better boots at prices lower than inferior dumpings, arguing customers need not buy substandard footwear.
In Geneva on December 16 the Assembly refused Baltic States admission while considering Albania’s admission after a strong appeal. It also rejected Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein, and Ukraine but sent the question to the Covenant amendment committee. The discussion included the League’s future personnel terms and potential permanent status.
The Foreign Office announced that Chile will cooperate with Argentina to advance proposals supported by the Argentina delegation. The decision followed a Cabinet meeting and Senate interpellations on amendments to the League of Nations Covenant at Geneva.
Australian Press reports a Sixth Commission session debating mandates with several delegates backing Assembly control while Mr Millen objects citing Covenant principles. Delegates note mandates granted before Covenant signing and a vote before the Assembly. Geneva reports the Council adopting mandates suitable to Australia.
Wellington December 27 Mr Massey stated that while not all funds were raised yet there is little reason for complaint about the 6 million loan. A large share of contributions comes from small investors who are satisfied with security and interest. Voluntary investments continue until year end. if target is not reached, compulsory funding will be activated.
Wellington December 17 Mr Massey said he was not ready to announce the total money contributed to the soldiers settlement loan. Funds were still arriving at the Treasury and subscriptions would likely continue in coming weeks. If compulsory provisions were needed to reach the six million goal, steps would occur after the holidays. He was not alarmed that the entire amount had not yet been subscribed, acknowledging temporary money-tightness and expecting most liable subscribers to act without compulsion.
Mr John Grigg notes London market bare of fresh spring lamb and predicts spirited Canterbury competition this year. Sir Thomas Mackenzie supports English market clarity and NZ lambs command high homeland esteem. English lamb sells about 23 3d per lb in October. NZ lamb should exceed 18d per lb, with NZ seeking price freedom from Meat Controller constraints. More than 18d per lb seems realizable.
The official account states two lorries with auxiliaries passed Canon Magner and a youth Crowley who was cycling when the cadet in charge demanded Crowley’s permit and shot him. The cadet is said to be insane. An unofficial version says Magner was anointing Crowley when shot. The Inspector-General sent sympathy to the Cork Bishop, who condemned the violence and said his people are being murdered and his city burned.
The House of Commons debated Lords amendments to the Home Rule Bill in London. It accepted the southern Senate yet rejected a six year delay on electoral reform and refused to postpone Irish legislature creation until order is restored. The Daily News warns the bill's fate remains uncertain.
Sinn Fein fighters ambushed eight police at Kilcommon, killing four and severely wounding one, in a deadly attack reported as part of ongoing unrest.
The Labour Commission reports Crown forces set fire to Cork buildings. Workers refuse to meet Dr MacNamara to discuss government proposals.
Police traced a Sinn Fein shelter in the mountains between Glogher and Monathan. The lair held expensive furniture from a mansion and stacks of steel helmets and gear. Seven suspects were arrested as Cork reports witnesses face intimidation and widespread suspicion hindering testimony.
The Borough School Carnival drew strong public support to fund improvements and a telescope for the school. Seven stalls offered needlework cushions garments and decorative items while vegetables dairy produce and sweets drew crowds. Side-shows concerts and a burlesque gallery entertained visitors as the carnival runs until ten this evening.
Joseph Clark, alleged driver of the motor car that struck several people at Manners and Cuba streets, was charged in the Magistrate's Court with causing actual bodily harm to Norman Beck. If death occurs, he faces possible murder charges. Clark was remanded to await further proceedings on the 28th.
Maritime trouble looms as Marine Cooks and Stewards' Union may halt work next week over a bonus payment dispute with Union Steam Ship Company. Members on ferries planned 24 hours notice to quit, risking temporary suspension of service if no agreement is reached.
In Dunedin the cooks and stewards argue for a £2 monthly extra, filed via the union with a ruling pending. They say higher living costs due to feeding and housing sailors justify the pay rise, and warn that Christmas traffic could be disrupted if denied. The Arbitration Court hears the case, which could turn unfavorably for the workers.
Dunedin reports the Union Steam Ship Company is reticent about a rumored stewards strike with no new statements issued as of December 17.
In Sydney a mass stewards meeting pledges to fight on as stevedores await employers' move. Transport workers may decide to back the strike, risking widespread cancellation of projected sailings. Melbourne reports seamen awaiting the transporters’ decision before joining.
Sydney dispatch notes the Transporters' Council backing stewards in the eight-hour day dispute. Melbourne reports Tasmanian Government will cover wage increases for three months if the strike drags on. Mr Hughes consults firms and may divert Commonwealth shipping to Tasmania. Wharf labourers seek 5s extra an hour.
In Christchurch today the New Brighton Trots ran under clear weather. Peter Dillon won the Second Amateur Handicap aboard Gipsy King with Dillon Shine second. Scr Foxhill and Peter Nash competed, finishing with Dillon Shine. Time 3 minutes 33 seconds. Shirley Handicap saw Sally Dillon win by four lengths ahead of Patard and Parkfield with Parkfield third. Time 4 minutes 4 seconds. Waimaixri Handicap claimed Vice Admiral first, Rangitata Lass second, Maoriland third. winner by 1 1/0 lengths. Time 4 minutes 33 seconds.
Australia imports cheap boots labeled dumped as inferior to genuine lines. Manufacturers' reps push against the practice with limited initial success. The sale offers regular, approved quality boots to counter the dumped stock.
The first test match began in fine weather with about 10 000 spectators. England batted first as Armstrong won the toss and sent Macartney and Collins to face Hitch and Waddington. Collins reached fifty in 104 minutes and scored 70, while Kelleway also contributed, though the Australian innings ended with Ryder and Odfield batting when time ran out. The English fielding excelled and saved many runs, with attendance at the afternoon session reaching 23 000.
Agnes Bourke was found guilty of wilful murder at Woolwich inquest over nine year old Margaret, whose throat was cut at a Belford Grove house. A police inspector noted the mother welcomed the child’s death, saying she was glad she would be an angel. The child’s father, an Arsenal foreman, said she had been ill since 1918 and seemed muddled the night before.
At Atlantic City convention the International Alliance of Physicians and Surgeons and allied bodies urged registering and pedigreed humans like high class horses. Dr Charles P Conrad said people would seek mates with near perfect traits, as if choosing a prized dog with a pedigree.
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