AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17311, 26 March 1920, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. GERMANY .MUST HELP PAY. MELBOURNE, March 26. In the House of Representatives Sir Joseph Conk stated that the animal liabilities on loans paid up to December, 1919, amounted to £35,346,397, and the amount of loans bearing interest payable in December, 1919, was £296,131,430. PERTH, March 26. Speaking at a municipal reception Mr Watt, Federal Treasurer, said that part of his present mission to London was to tell the British Government of the Australian Government's determination that the German war indemnity must be enforced, and to ascertain the date 'of the first payment. HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. MELBOURNE, March 26. As a result of the war raising Australia to the status of a nation, considerably increasina: her participation in foreign affairs, the High Commissioner's duties in future will include diplomatic liaison work. Activities in regard to trade and commerce are also extending, necessitating tha establishment of a Department of Trade and Commerce. It is unofficially stated that Sir Joseph Cook is succeeding Mr Andrew Fisher, whose term as High Commissioner expires in October., ECONOMIC TROUBLES. SYDNEY, March 26. Commercial men in Sydney and Melbourne are generally of opinion that the tariff will increase the Cost of Living, and they state, that the remedy lies in increased production. SUGAR SUBSIDY. -MELBOURNE, March 26. Mr Hughes, in announcing the increased price of sugrr. said the Government wore ksiug £20.003 a day through having to sell at 3£d per lb. Under the new agreement retailers are to buy direct from the Colonial Sugar Company.