AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15504, 10 January 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BEAT WAVE CONTINUES.

LOSSES FROM BUSH FIRES,

By Telegraph— Association—

Sydney, January- 9. Bush fires in many districts are causing serious damage, and th« set-tiers round Albury and Germanton are particularly, heavy losers. _ . „."";;• The heat in the inland towns continues to be intense. Bourke, \rith 115 Hi the shadje, topped the New South -Wafos list of registers yesterday, but William Creek (South Australia) held the record with 120, " . •

dive IJTTO TEE hajlbotjb.(Received January 9, 11.5 p.m.) '■".-. Sydney, January 9. A wharf labourer named, Thomas Gallagher, recently arrived from New Zealand, to-day jumped from the'Pyrmout Brides info Darling Harbour. .He was rescued and taken by the .police to the* receptionnouse. - r SAL VINO THE TAS&AH." Sydney, January 9. . Details, supplied by the Japanese steamer Inaho Maru, which, through the agency of Pilot Wilson, towed off tha Dutch mail steamer Tasman, ashore a week ago off the Queensland coast, show that it was one of the finest pieces of salvage work on the Australian coast. The vessel, which, together with her cargo, was valued at £200,000,. was in a danger* ous position, but she was rescued by careful handling, and sustained very littla damage.

BUILDERS' LABOUP.ESS. Sydney, January 9. The award in connection with the Builders Labourers' Federation, which comes into operation to-day in all States except West Australia, fixes the minimum wages at Is 4£d per hour, and reduces the hours to 44 per week. The increase in •wages represents per cent. The master builders describe the award as a bomb, and intend to appeal to the High Court. WAGES OF MILL-HANDS. Melbotteke, January 9. At a general meeting of the Victorian Millowners' Association yesterday, the union's rate of wages was accepted in view of the fact that the New South Wales and South Australian owners had accepted them. LOCAL OPTION VOTE. Sydney, January 9. Owing, it is alleged, to official blunders, tho final announcement of the local option vote at the late State elections has been suspended. POPULATION OS" THE WEST, Pebth, January 9. The population of West Australia- is now 320,913. This represents an increase over last year of 15,130,