AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18407, 13 May 1920, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. SYDNEY, May 12. The Government decided, in addition to a scheme of advances in connection with this j-ear's crop, to make an advance of Is (3d per bushel on the 191920 wheat crop, with a view of ameliorating the position of farmers. It is announced that as* a result of investigations by the Licenses Reduction Board, the number of hotels in tho State will probably bo reduced by 489. The Federal executive .of the Federated Society_ of Boilermakers and Shipbuilders decided that any members or any branch striking without the consent of the executive would be refused assistance. It was also resolved that no members employed in the shipbuilding industry carried on under an agreement with the Commonwealth Government shall on any account cease work. All disputes are to be referred to a special tribunal appointed for that purpose..

The Methodist General Conference adopted a resolution expressing apprehension at the prevailing laxity of mor-' ality in the community generally, especially where the relations of the sexes wore concerned. The conference appointed a committee to report upon some practical lines on which the Conference, could act. The discussion indicated a feeling that what was characterised as "cowardly silence" and " veiled utterances." of the Church, and parents should cease, and that methods should be adopted by which the Church, and parents would act in concert in ihe nutter of sex education. The evils now prevalent were considered to be largely the result of ignorance.

ADELAIDE May 12. The Supreme Court ruled that no private person can sue the Federal Government unless the case has been referred to the Court by the GovernorGeneral. This means that all actions against the Government must h& referred to Melbourne on a petition. MELBOURNE, May 12. It is * understood that the British Government is distributing £6,000,000 among Australian wool-growers in September, on account of profits accruing at the London sales-

BRISBANE, May 12. An earthquake shock was felt at Port. Darwin.

A nugget of pure gold, weighing 1430 z, was found in the Charters Towers goldheld.