AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17548, 31 December 1920, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. HOT WEATHER. SYDNEY, December 30. The weather was again extremely sultry throughout Australia. PROFITEERING ACT. SYDNEY, December 30. The Profiteering Act will operate from January 1, Mr Justice Beeby being president of the newly -created Court. RISE IN BREAD. SIDNEY, December 30. The price of bread has been increased oue farthing per 21b loaf. JAPANESE WOOL INTERESTS. SYDNEY, December 30. The Commercial Commissioner in the East advises that the Japanese wool interests have formed a Manufacturers' Association, and have agTeed that no further purchases be made until the present stocks are used up. He estimates that Japan has sufficient wool in stock for the best part of a year, and it is unlikely that she will be a prominent buyer in the Australasian markets for a considerable time. IN CREASE IN WHARF CHARGES. MELBOURNE, December 30. Owing to the increased cost of labor and materials the Harbor Trust is increasing the wharfage charges, the present rate or 2s 6d and 3s 4d per ton being advanced to a uniform charge of 5s on goods from overseas. Tonnage rates on overseas vessels have been advanced from -i/d to |d per ton gross. The charges on sheds and overseas bertlis have also been increased, and will operate from the commencement of the new year. EFFECT OF MINING AWARD. SYDNEY, December 31 (Received December 31, at 10.35 a.m.) It is believed that the new mining award will entail a reduction of the number of employees by 50 per cent.,