AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1944, Page 6

AUSTRALIA

RAIN IN N.S.W.

(Rec. 1 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 26. Rain, which has fallen in 1 the last 24 hours, has come too lath to save the New South Wales wheat crop. The State’s grain crops are in the worst position 1917. Australia’s wheat harvest in the 39/40 season was 210,000,000 bushels. This season’s Australian harvest is not expected to reach the 50,000,000 bushel mark. The worst drought conditions in New South Wales have been experienced in central and southern Riverina districts. Light falls of rain there have not relieved the serious pastoral conditions. Further falls are hoped for.

LOAN LAG

(Recd. 12.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 26. With only six trading days remaining before the Loan closes, £50,000,000 are needed to fill Australia’s Second Victory Loan. In a nation-wide appeal the Prime Minister (Mr. Curtin) said that unless citizens realised that they must cease competing with the war effort and lend every possible pound for the war values, would decline, inflation would loom seriously, and it would be meaningless to "contemplate a balanced economy. , n Mr. Curtin’s appeal was supported by the Federal Treasurer (Mr. Chi Iley) who said that Australia had spent more than £1.650.000,000 on the war. The daily expenditure was over £900,000.

AWARD FOR DOCTORS

(Recd. 12.55 p.m.) BRISBANE, Oct. 26. Brisbane Hospital trainee doctors have been placed on an industrial award providing for a salary of £350 a year. They are allowed free board and lodging, but have to work up to 54 hours a week. The doctors sought a salary of £5OO. This is thought to be the first time in history that doctors have been placed under an industrial award.

SEAMEN’S BONUS

(Recd. 1 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 26. The war risk bonus for crews of Australian sea-going ships will be reduced after November 1. The Maritime Industry Commission, which includes representatives of both Shipowners and Unions, has made this decision, which implies increased safety from enemy action in the areas concerned. Most Australian crews have been receiving a bonus of about 50 per cent, above the normal rates of pay and overtime. The new order by the Commission will provide lor a reduction of bonuses as follows:—South of Townsville on the east coast to 25 per cent. South of Port Hedland on the west coast to 25 per cent. North of Townville and Port Hedland and to New Zealand 33 1-3 per cent. The new bonus will be 50 per cent, in waters north of Townsville and 15 per cent, for in-ter-State vessels trading in the Spencer and St. Vincent Gulfs.