AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 1727, 23 February 1912, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

♦ — ■'. (By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright.) (Per Press Association.) HARRY RICKARDS' ESTATE. Syney, February 22. Tlio estate of the late Mr Harry Rickards has been valued in probate at £135,000. (Received Feb. 23, 9.45 a.m.) THE SUGAR PROBLEM. Sydney, February 23. Before the Sugar Commission a witness gave evidence that the Colonial and Malequin. companies always raised or lowered prices simultaneously. This suggested an understanding. A number of wholesale • merchants declared they dealt largely with the Colonial Company's sugar and the profit was practically ml. Tho sugar duty was generally condemned. In contradiction to a witness, tho chairman declared that cvKienco from North Queensland • stated that the country was suitable tor nothing but sugar. Rice, cotton, dairying, etc., had been tried but ■tailed. THK CYCLING RACE. Melbourne, February 23. Ju tho six days' race another team dropped out. Dotzau/pr lost two'taps. Iho others had covered 1502 miles at midnight, 29 miles behind ohe Sydney time. THE' TROUBLESOME BADGE. The conference of tramway men concerning the badge dispute proved abortive, and Arbitration Court proceedings have been resumed. ■ttiggms reserved his judgment. DIED FROM THIRST. r , , . , .Perth, February 23. I'rederick Best, a native of New Onflow, and John McGrath left in •January lor the purpose of seeking work in the interior. Their 'bocues were found near Minderoo, hoth having died from thirst.

A LUCKY ESCAPE,

.'-..- Sydney, February 23. A collision occurred between a railway motor and a goods train at .Newnes. The motor -was smashed lour passengers being linjured, but none seriously. .*.**, uuc