AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 18034, 31 July 1922, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Press Association.

CONTINUOUS RAIN,

SYDNEY, July 30,

The rain, which is so opportune for the growing wheat crops, providing feed for the winter, has caused a set-back to the shearing, which was just getting into full swing. The rain fell over about one-third of New South Wales-, the outback western areas, and towards the Queenslander border, where it is badly needed.

MELBOURNE, July 30

Heavy rain resulted in floods in the Gippslandl district. Considerable damage was done, and numbers of the settlers have been compelled to leave their homes. A rescue boat at Orbost overturned and a man named F. Phelan was drowned. WAGGA THREATENED. "SYDNEY, July 31. (Deceived July 31, at 10.55 a.m.) The flood waters broke through the river banks into the main thoroughfare at Wagga. The houses in the lower part of the'street were invaded, and if the waters rise another foot the centre of the town will ho swamped. The water reached within eight inches of the top of the BurrinjTick dam on Saturday, and then remained stationary. A PLAGUE RAT. BRISBANE, July 31. (Received July 31, at 10.55 a.m.) A plague rat, the first which has been caught since April, has been found at Kelvin Grove. t

WOOLLEN MILLS FOR SOLDIERS,

MELBOURNE, July 29,

A conference of tho Returned Soldiers’ and Sailors’ League decided to purchase from the Federal Government the Geelong Woollen Mills. The estimated value is £250,000. TARIFF AGREEMENT. FEDERAL MINISTER’S OPINION. SYDNEY, July 31. (Received July 31, at 10.55 a.m.) Mr Mossy Greene, Minister of Defence, is of opinion that, though tho Now Zealand tariff agreement was horn of compromise, it will he useful in promoting trade, especially in Australian wines. Previously tho balance of trade wae five to one in favor of Australia, The agreement established a principle which might he extended to other countries.