AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 3 October 1924, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Australian *un) N.X Liable Association.)

SYDNEY, This Dav

The annual report of the Forestry Commission, tabled in the Assembly, shows that during the year ended 50ui June the total value of timber imported was £2,413,000; exported £443,927. The principal import trade was with United States, and export with New Zealand. The secretary of the wheat pool states that the pool Im.s effected heavy overseas sales at a- price equivalent to 5.5 a bushel at country stations.

The Chief Secretary, Mr Oaks, announced that there would be no prosecution arising out of the use of liquor at the artists’ ball, hut the matter of framing new regulations giving the police authorities wider powers was being considered seriously, and would - be brought before Cabinet.

The outlook in the coal industry is gloomy. Eight collieries are now idle in defiance of the order of the council of the Miners’ Federation that all collieries resume work pending arbitration. The Marriage Amendment Dili is having a stormy passage in the Legislative Council. The storm chicly centres round the Ne Temere clause. Charges of sectarianism are a feature of the delate. Mi Boyc.e, a represcit-cive of the Government, in moving the second reading, said a similar Bill proved effective in New Zealand.

At the inquest on the tram smash victims at McMahon’s Point, evidence was similar to that already cabled. Departmental evidence showed the cars were inspected before starting the /.ur, ney and were in good condition, the brakes acting, but- the controller was jammed owing to.the holding .screws being loose. The wheels skidded oi. the giensy rails, going down the s-eep bill. Those in charge did all possible to inert a disaster after the tram got out of control. A verdict of accidental death was returned. The Coroner complimented, in the name of the public, Condacor Co-van for sticking to his post to ilie vivy eii'l in face of what appealed certain death. Cowan, after the accident, completely lost his memory, and las only partially regained it so far. Though mi Australasian amateur boxing championships will be held this year owing to the 1923^ agreement between Australia and New Zealand terminating, officials controlling the Australian championships aro confident they will be revived next year. ’ ‘ IIRISISANE, Tliis Day.

A list of ministerial travelling expenses for the year 1923-24 was tabled in the Assembly. It shows the. total travelling expenses of all ministers, excluding the cost of the trips of Messrs Theodore and Jones to England, was £5559 and England cost £2950 and Mr Jones’s £1442.