AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14144, 20 August 1909, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph —Press. Association.—Copyright. CLARKE DIVORCE CASE. (Received August 20, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, August 19. A decree nisi has been granted to Lady Clarke in the suit against her husband, with costs. PREMIERS' CONFERENCE. Melbourne, August 19. The Premiers' Conference has not yet solved the financial problem, but prospects of reaching-a settlement are considered hopeful. THE POTATO DISEASE. . Melbourne, August 19. The proclamation against Tasmanian potatoes operates from to-day. Eleven thousand bags are held up on the wharves. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN , VINTAGE. Adelaide, August 19. The Government statist reports that the vintage is a record one. A total of 3,132,000 gallons of wine were made, an increase of 1,070,000 gallons. ■ NEW SOUTH WALES' INSANE Sydney, August 19. The report of the Inspector-General of the Insane shows that at the end of last year there were 5705 insane people under 'official supervision in the State, an increase of 98. The cost of maintenance was £165,427. The proportion of insane to the general public is one to 281. INSCRIBED STOCK INTEREST. Sydney, August 19. The Government has raised the rate of interest on inscribed stock from 3£ to 3| per cent. The advance has been made in view of the higher prices being paid -for. money on the local market by other States. The Government is issuing half a million new. stock at 3s.