AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16025, 17 September 1915, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

FROM PULPIT TO TRENCH.

A MINISTER KILLED.

(Received September 16, 10 p.m.)

Sydney, September 16.

The Rev. R. H. Pittendrigh, a Methodist minister, has been killed in Gallipoli. Failing to obtain appointment as a chaplain, he enlisted as a private, and has fought right through the campaign.

FEDERAL MINERS' CORPS.

INCLUSION OF SPECIALISTS.

(Received September 16, 10 p.m.)

Melbourne, September 16.

The acceptance of the services of an Australian miners' corps by the Imperial Government is the outcome of General Birdwood's appreciation of the successful work performed by the Australian miners attached to the Expeditionary Forces. The corps will include geologists, mining engineers, and other specialists.

HELP FROM SCIENTISTS.

MUNITION SUPPLIES.

(Received September 17. 12.15 a.m.)

Sydney, September 16.

The Royal Society has offered its services to the Government in connection with the manufacture of munitions, and in regard to other scientific matters arising out of the war.

GERMAN OFFICIALS.

RETIREMENT DEMANDED.

(Received September 16, 11.10 p.m.)

Sydney, September 16.

There is a strongly growing movement against the retention of Germans in the State public service. Public speakers and correspondents to the newspapers are pressing the Government to take action in the matter. A local Government conference has resolved to urge the Premier to retire from the public service all persons of German descent

ILLICIT AMMUNITION.

GERMAN SENT TO PRISON.

(Received September 16, 11.10 m.)

Sydney, September 16.

The naturalised German named Behrmann, who was sentenced to three months' imprisonment yesterday for having 160 rounds of ball ammunition of military pattern in his possession, was convicted to-day on a further charge of having a revolver and 30 rounds of ammunition in his possession. He was fined £100, and also sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour.

GOODS OF ENEMY ORIGIN.

ADVERTISEMENTS BANNED.

Melbourne, September 16.

The Attorney-General, Mr. Wm. Hughes, has notified the press that the Government will not permit the circulation of newspapers inserting advertisements of goods made in enemy countries.

OFFICERS' PAY.

CERTAIN REDUCTIONS.

Melbourne, September 16.

The authorities have decided to reduce the pay of military officers called up for administrative or instructional duties. Colonels will be reduced from £822 a year to £675, and others accordingly. The field allowances will remain the same.

NOVEL UNIT.

MASSAGE RESERVE.

Melbourne, September 16. A novel military unit, the Australian Army Massage Reserve, is now being formed.

QUEENSLAND COUNCIL.

THE STATE'S QUOTA.

Brisbane, September 16.

Arrangements are being made for the formation of a War Council similar to that in the other States. Queensland will be asked to supply 2200 recruits every month.

ESSENTIAL METALS.

BRITISH USE ONLY.

Melbourne, September 16.

A proclamation has been issued stating that the Commonwealth has entered into an agreement with the Imperial Government for a period of twelve months to acquire on its behalf all the molybdenite, scheelite, and Wolfram produced. Arrangements have been made to seize all stocks withheld.

AUSTRALIA DAY.

NEW SOUTH WALES FUND.

Sydney, September 16.

The New South Wales contribution to the " Australia Day " Fund for patriotic purposes totals £690,000, including £46,000 subscribed by school children.