AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2870, 7 September 1916, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

EARLY CLOSING OF HOTEL BARS By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, September 6. In the .Assembly,, Sir A. Peacock (Premier) 'announced tlio abandonment of the referendum for ,earlier closing of hotels, as it, would clash with tho conscription' issue. The Government proposed,to adopt direct legislation in place of the referendum. Brisbane, September 6. In tho Legislative Council, the Hon. W. Hamilton (Minister of Mines) stated that tho Government had received a request from Senator Pearce (Federal Minister of Defence) for action in tho early closing of hotels. NEW SOUTH WALES BUDGET. Sydney, September 6. la the Assembly, the State Premier (Mr. Holinan), in delivering tho New South Wales Budget, said that tho revenue for the year was £19,629,000, and tho actual surplus £149,590. Ho stressed tho point that but for the war expenditure, amounting to £513,000, the surplus would have .been £550,000. Of the surplus, £59,000 was duo to the increased taxation. During the last six j cars the Government had raised £12,800,000 by direct taxation. Tho total loan expenditure for the same period was £41,000,000. The Govern, mont proposed to supplement disabled soldiere' pensions and make the amount £S weekly. STATE CONTROL OF SUGAR INDUSTRY. Brisbane, September 6. The Premier (Mr.' J. T. Ryan) announced that owing to the sugar dispute the Commonwealth _ Government nas conbicering the question of taking over control of the industry in all its T phases, i '.'''!' '?"•' ; '■' ;' LIVING WAGE FOR UNSKILLED LABOUR. Adelaide, September 6. The Arbitration Court President lias --• .filed .the ,living .wage for unskilled workers at 9s. per day,