ACROSS THE TASMAN.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2473, 13 October 1922, Page 5

ACROSS THE TASMAN.

SALARIES OF MEMBERS. REDUCTION BILL TREATED AS A JOKE. AN EARLY SUMMER. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October .12. In the House of Representatives the second reading of the Reduction in Salaries Bill was defeated by thirtysix votes to twenty-five. “SMART ELECTIONEERING TACTICS.” MEASURE FOREDOOMED TO FAILURE. (Received Thursday, 7.40 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 13. In the House of Representatives, the Income Tax Bill, covering the reductions promised in the Budget speech, passed all stages. The House treated the proposal to reduce members’ salaries largely as a farce. The debate was punctuated with much laughter and chaffing. Mr Hughes’s introduction speech was likewarm. While contending that members were worthy of a higher scale of pay, in view of the increased cost of living in recent years he declared the cost of living was now falling, with a consequent reduction in wages, and the Ministry could not ask the country to accept the position without asking Parliament to set an example. The leaders of the Opposition and Country parties oppose the Bill. They regard the closing days of the proposal in the closing days of Parliament, when members are about to face their constituencies, as smart electioneering tactics. Some members declared they would prefer no payment to the inadequate remuneration proposed. Mr Hughes expressed disappointment at the Bill's reception. From the outset, however, it was plain the measure was foredoomed, and the anticipated happened. HOT OCTOBER WEATHER. (Received Thursday. 7.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. Summer has arrived with a rush. The thermometer at Sydney touched 95 degrees Fahr., the highest October reading since 1914. The country districts are suffering. MANY VESSELS IDLE, (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. Owing to the slackness of trade, one-third of the Commonwealth ships are idle, but it is expected that all will be commissioned when the shipping of the next wheat crops begins for all State pools. (Received Thursday, 7.40 p.m.) The annual meeting of the National Rifle Association commences at Liverpool to-morrow. The prizes total £6500, and there are nearly 1400 competitors. SYNOD AGAINST SUNDAY" SPORT. (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. The Anglican Synod carried a motion against Sunday sport, rejecting an amendment in favour of reasonable physical recreation. WOOL TOPS CASE. (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. The Full High Court, in hearing' argument on law points in the wool tops case. Is at present dealing with the question whether the War Precautions Act has power of taxation.

HARBOUR BRIDGE PLANS, (Received Thursday, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. The Harbour Bridge Bill will be amended to provide that tenders may be submitted for an arch bridge instead of a cantilever. It is expected the work will not be completed for eight years. The Assembly carried the second reading of the Bill by 40 votes to 25. SENSATION IN SYDNEY. (Received Friday, 2 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 12. The police are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body of a woman, fully dressed, which was dug up in Moore Park. Rusted iron bars were found alongside the body. Sensational developments are expected.