NEWS IN BRIEF.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 March 1926, Page 5

NEWS IN BRIEF.

ITEMS, OF INTEREST. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT SYDNEY, March 18. Soaking rain has fallen throughout the wheat areas, and a further heavy fall is anticipated, assuring a good harvest. Broken Hill is now assured of a full supply of water for the next twelve months. NASSAU (Bahama), March 18. Bank robbers blew the vaults of the Treasury, situated forty yards from, the police station, and escaped with threequarters of a ton of gold and silver coin.

LONDON, March 17. In the House of Commons, the Economy Bill was read, a second time by 322 votes to 142.

Mr. Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister, has accepted an invitation to a Press luncheon on April 20 to welcome the Australian cricketers. CAPETOWN, March, 17.

The Senate again rejected by 22 votes to 12 the second reading of the Mines’ Act Amendment Bill, popularly known as the “Colour Bar Bill.” It re-affirm-ed the attitude adopted last session that the Bill inflicted a grave injustice on the natives. The action of the Senate necessitates a joint sitting of both Houses to consider the position. MELBOURNE, March 17.

The House of Representatives has passed the Power Alcohol Bounty Bill, which restricts the bounty to alcohol produced from cassava and other starchbearing products. It was announced that two Queensland distilling companies, with a capital of £1.000,000, are about to begin producing power alcohol. The State Y 3 over ament f s backing the venture to the extent of £25,000.