AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 September 1924, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY

«Y CARL!—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT SYDNEY, Sept. 16. The annual report of the Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society states that casualties during the year showed a marked decrease over the previous figures, but more than £I4OO had been spent in relieving distress, including £832 to widows and orphans and £587 to seamen. The total amount paid out of the funds had now reached £37,823.

SHIPPING. NEWCASTLE, Sept. 16. Sailed.—Coolana, for Lyttelton. ' . SYDNEY, Sept. 16. Arrived.—Maheno, at 8, from Wellington. WHEAT GROWERS CONFER. MELBOURNE, Sept. 16. The conference of representatives of the wheat-growing States have declined to agree to the proposals of the Federal Ministry regarding the organisation of wheat pools for a period of three years and the form of guarantee proposed.

OBITUARY

SYDNEY, Sept. 16. The death is reported from Townsville of Mir Hugh Mac Neil, formerly governing director of the Briscoe Company, and a prominent business man in Sydney and New Zealand.

CHURCH UNION

SYDNEY, Sept. 16. The breach existing in the Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia between parties favouring and opposing union with the Congregational and Methodist Churches has been healed by a process of compromise. After a warm debate, a motion was carried expressing the opinion that it was inadvisable at present to press, forward organic union with the Congregational and Methodist Churches and advocating awaiting a lead from Divine Providence. A motion was. also carried that a committee be appointed to promote such co - operation with evangelical churches as might be found practicable in the circumstances, and a move towards more effective Christian unity.