AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17197, 12 November 1919, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

THE WHEAT SCANDAL. Preas Association—By Telegraph—Copyritfht. I A«»tralian N.Z. Gable Assooiation. 1 ». SYDNEY, Norember 11. The sittings of the Royal Commieaion in- | quiring into th« alleged wheat scandal con■tinue to «x«ta considerable interest. J An accountant, in the cours* of his evidence, said that the total loss on wheat and the damage to wheat while in the hands of the Stat« Wheat Office amouned to ££,389,000. H« also said that the holder* of 1916-17 wheat had aLeady been overpaid to th* extent of £608,000. A REWARD OFFERED. SYDNEY, November 11 The Govevnnient are offering £I,OQO reward, an insurance c-ffioe £I,OOO, and the Broken Hill South Company £2,000 for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrator of the fire which destroyed the surface works at the South Mine. A free pardon is offered to an accomplice giving information. ° MAINTENANCE OF CHILDREN. SYDNEY, November 12. (Received November 12, at 10.30 a.m.) Tho Legislative Council decided to submit the Maintenance of Children Bid to a select committee. By adopting this course the Government hope Un»t the present impasse will be overcome. THE RIGHTS OF LABOR, SYDNEY, November 12. The secretary of the Labor Council considers that the palliatives suggested in the report of the Employers' Conferenoe yesterday would only restrict to a greater measure the output of labor, because knowledge would be increasing among the workers that they were being deprived' of a laige portion of th* value. While Labor favored the suggested payment by results, the worker should get fud value for his labor, and notbin«should be deducted for any other purpose. ° " COURTING FINANCIAL DISASTER. SYDNEY, November 12. Bankers express surprise at Mr Hughes's announcement thai soldiers' bonds would be cashable over the counter. Tuny oclare that it is impossible under the present finanoial conditions, and that any attempt to innate or extend the note issue to meet the case will be almost courting finaucial . disaster.