AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, 29 June 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

FEDERAL TAX PROCEEDS.

LARGE OWNERS SELLING.

By TolcgTiph—Press Association—

MEr.BouRN-E, June 27. The Federal Land Tax Commissioner's report shows that tho tax in 1912-13 realised £1,316,735. Large land sales continued during tho year.

The commissioner points out that wliila persons owning large taxable estates continue to scl), persons lower in the taxable! field will continue to purcase freely, Tint-' withstanding tho tax.

PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS.

POSSIBILITY OF CONFLICT. Sydney, June 27. With reference to the employers' decision against preference to unionists, it is stated in unionist circles that tho unions are determined to uphold the principle. If the employers are not prepared to concede it tho unions are in a bettor posit tion than ever to fight for it.

THE SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC.

(Bccoived June 29, 12.45 a.m.)

Sydney, Juno 28. Two cases of smallpox were notified during tho week-end.

WAGES IN BOOT TRADE.

(Received Juno 29. 12.45 a.m.) Sydney, Juno 28. An inter-State conference of the em- 1

plovers and employees in the boot trade has agreed to a new scale of wages and

improved conditions in the trade.

INDUSTRIES OF NEW SOUTH WALL'S

Sydney, Juno 27.

An official report shows that at the end of 1915 New South Wales possessed 5343 manufacturing works, an increase of 181, employing 93,105 hands. The males number 27,481, while females showed an increase of 5025. The wages paid totalled £12.676,993, an incrca.se of £1,084,941. The value of plant and machinery was £14.831,637, an increase of over a million^

SYDNEY FERRY FARES. Sydney, Juno 27.

There is ail outcry against, the ferry, companies for again substantially raising fares, following the recent, advance in railway train rates.

FEARS FOR MISSING KETCH,

Sydney, June 27.

There is no further news of the missing ketch Alfred Penning, and grave fears are entertained for her saietv.

M.P.S AS LAND SALESMEN,

Std.vet, June 27. Recently Mr. shorn (a member of tho House of Assembly) and Mr, O. A. Jones (an ex-member) sued the agent for the sale of tho Boorabil Estate to tho Government for closer settlement purposes for £200 commission. A verdict was given in plaintiffs' favour, and as tho Jesuit- of criticisms of legislators acting as agents tho Cabinet, after a protracted sitting, decided to appoint a Royal Commission oi Inquiry.