Priest's house gutted by early morning fire
He escaped the Westport floods but Father David Gruschow’s luck ran out when faulty wiring gutted his home and destroyed all his possessions.
Luckily the St Canice’s parish priest was not at home when the fire broke out on Saturday morning.
“The inside is completely munted.”
All his possessions were damaged, but Gruschow felt fortunate to have his dogs with him when the fire happened, and was relieved they were safe.
He now hoped to move into a housekeeper’s flat adjoining the presbytery until his house was repaired.
Fire investigator Craig Piner said the cause was still under investigation, but he believed it was caused by an electrical fault in the switchboard or in the ceiling above.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.7% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.1% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
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