AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16946, 22 September 1920, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

FEDERAL TAXATION

(By Oablfi—Press Association—Copyright) Australian ahd N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, September 21. It is understood that the Labour Party wiU test the Biouso of Representative® on the new taxation proposals. NEW SOUTH WALES' JUDICIARY. SYDNEY, September 21. A hitch, has arisen respecting tho appointment of Mr A. G. J. James to tne judiciary. The Supremo Court, bench already contains its full complement, but Mr Justice Sly;' who is on 12 months' leave of absence, will retire in December. It is suggested that Mr James be appointed acting-judge till tho vacancy occurs. SOLDIERS' PENSIONS. •< MELBOURNE, September 21. ' Tho Repatriation Commissioners have granted special pensions of £4 a week to soldiers with double amputations above the knees. N.S.W. ANTI-PROFITEERING BILL. (Received September 21st. 9.46 p.m.) SYDNEY, September 21. The Anti-Profiteering Bill provides, inter alia, for the restriction of unduo profits, the collection of information regarding tho operations of trusts, the prevention of unfair methods in trade competition, the promotion of co-opera- ! tivo enterprises, tho amendment or the Arbitration Act, the control and acquisition of necessary commodities, and the control of necessary services. Penalties for breaches of the Act aro fixed by fines of from £100 to £1000 and imprisonment for five years. The Supremo Court is ompowered to wind up corporations guilty of breaches of the Act. Tho Bill also provides for of the oxport of necessary commodities when there are not sufficient supplies for homo consumption, and taxation of excess profits.

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE. (Received September 21st. 9.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, • September 21. A severe earthquake was recorded at Riverview, the seismic waves rolling in for five hours. The shock was probably most severely felt in the New Hebrides.