AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 16783, 11 July 1918, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Prens Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. CabJe Association. WAR FINANCE. OVER £256,000,000 INCURRED. MELBOURNE, July 11. (Received July 11, at 11.15 a.m.) Approximate figures, giving tho relation botween tho revenue and the war expenditure, show that a total of JGI49.COO.CCO has been raised in the Commonwealth by means of war loans and war savings certificates, in addition to £47,500,000 borrowed from the British Government for war purposss, while £39,750,000 represents tho expenditure by the British Government on Australian troops, for which sum the Commonwealth is liable. From the beginning of the war to the end of June last tho Commonwealth rais-r-d by direct taxation £20,654,276, and exponded in war interest and, sinking fund and war pensions £20.011,004. It is announced that the benefits for widows under the repatriation scheme, will bo available to a soldier's wifp who becomes a widow within seven years after the soldier's discharge. COST OF GOVERNMFNT. SYDNEY, July 11. ißeceived July 11, at 11.15 a.m.) The New South Wales Farmers' Conference passed a motion, urging the introduction of preferential voting, and expressing alarm at the increasing cost of government. GOVERN*! ENT 811 i TRUILDtXG. SYDNEY, July 10. Two further contracts for eight stwl vesseis, each of 5,500 tons, are hoiiiig placed, bringing the Commonwealth's fleet to 95 ships, comprising 393,426 tons. PONY RACING AND BONING, SYDNEY, Julv 10. A movement is mi foot to establish a '' Liberty League," to safeguard the interests of snort. The conveners hope that the league will servo to combat influence? tending to the reduction of manly sports and healthy roerealiori, and marshal the strongest opposition to extreme legislation. I