AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17034, 3 May 1919, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. A PATERNAL GOVERNMENT. ~SYDNEY, May 2. Tho ‘ Sun ’ newspaper charges the New South Wales Government with attempting to coerce mi Hers to make flour from tainted wheat. This wheat, the paper states, was part of tho 1916-17 crop, which the British Government rejected. It was damaged by weather and contaminated by dead mice and other vermin. It was unht for human 'consumption, and might cause disease known as rope plague. Some millers refused this wheat, demanding clean grain, of which a plentiful supply was available. COAL INDUSTRY. SYDNEY, May 2. The increased wages for miners under th© new Federal agreement will operate on Monday. Tho federation have adopted a new agreement to prevent further stoppages. under which all disputes must be referred to special committees, MAIL ROBBERIES. SYDNEY, May 2. Mail robberies are again in evidence. A daring case occurred on tho South Coast line, in which two men, by means of a faked telephone message, induced the handing over of mail bags containing cheques and other valuables worth a considerable amount. MUNICIPAL FINANCE. SYDNEY, May 2. The City Council have increased tho rating by in the pound. An analysis shows'that in the past 10 years, while the labor employed by the council has increased by 55 per cent., the expenditure thereon has increased by 156 per cent.