THE COMMONWEALTH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15774, 15 December 1916, Page 8

THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE WHEAT PURCHASE. (By Cable.—Fresi Association.—Copyright.) MELBOURNE, December 14. Preferring to the wheat deal, in tho Federal House of. Representatives, Mr AV. M. Hughes said he hoped in a few days to be able to make a. statement regarding the 1918 crop, which ho understood the Imperial Government was purchasing at 4s 9 ( 1 per bushel. DISLOYAL DAMAGE. MELBOURNE, December 14. In the House of Representatives, Mr Jensen stated that all the electrical connexions on the cruiser Brisbane at Cockatoo Island had been cut. There were no clues. He had instructed the manager of the island to dismiss any employee who was a member of the LW.W. FLOODS IN TASMANIA. HOBART, December 14. Heavy rains are responsible for floods in all the southern districts. DEARER COAL. * SYDNEY, December 14. It is unofficially stated that as a result of the miners obtaining the bank to bank concession the price of coal will be increased three shillings per ten, proportionate to the increase to the miners. The hewing rate has not yet been fixed. THE TOTALISATOR. SYDNEY, December 14. The Assembly read the Totalisator Bill a third time. SOAP A NECESSITY. (Received December 14th. 10 p.m.) MELBOURNE. December 14. Soap has been declared to be a necessary commodity, and the price, fixed on the basis of that prevailing in Auo-ust 1916.