AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17324, 12 April 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N-.Z. Gable Association. = NEW SOUTH WALES MINISTRY. SYDNEY, April 11. Tho new MinistyJ, as selected by the Labor Caucus, is constituted as follows: Premier, Mr John Storey. Chief Secretary, Mr J. D'ooley. Attorney-General, Mr E. A. M'Tiernan. /Treasurer, Mr J. T. Lang. Minister of Lands, Mr P. F. Longhlin. Minister of Agriculture, Mr W. F. Dunn. Minister of Health, Mr P. M. M'Girr. Minister of Education, Mr T. D. Mutch. Minister of Works and Railways, Mr J. Estell. Minister of Labor and Mines, Mr G. Cann. Solicitor-General, Mr Sproule. Honorary Minister, Mr W. J. M'Kell. DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC. SYDNEY, April 12. Speaking at the Imperial Service Club'a welcome, General Sir William Birdwood urged Australia to keep in full touch and reciprocity with New Zealand in the defence of the Pacific. He added thst the chiefs of the General Staffs should bo in touch with each other, and suggested an extensive exchange of officers between the Indian Australian armies. INCREASED DEATH RATE. SYDNEY, April 12. Official statistics show that there were 26,385 deaths in the State during 1919, which is 32.5. per cent, above the quinquennial average. The increase is due to the influenza epidemic, which caused | 6,387 deaths. FARES AND FREIGHTS RAISED. ' SYDNEY, April 12. The interstate shipping fares have been increased by 20 per cent. Freights also' are being increased. SQUARE NICKEL COINS. MELBOURNE, April 12. The Federal Government have decider! to issue square nickel penny and halfpenny coins. THE COST OF LIVING. MELBOURNE, April 12. The Commonwealth Bureau of Industrv have submitted to the boot and clothing manufacturers suggestions for the standardisation of these products with a view to cheapening prices. The scheme is receiving consideration. SLUMP IN TIN SHARES. MELBOURNE, April 12. Badak tin shares have slumped from £I,OOO before Easter to £760. Other shares in the group have also slumped heavily, this being chiefly the result of the announcement that the Kedah Government have refused to grant any applications for mining concessions outside of Badak. NO SATURDAY WORK. SYDNEY, April 11. A congress representing 70 unions decided upon common action to introduce the 44-hour week, with no Saturday work.