AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16763, 1 February 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

STATE CENSURE DEBATE. STRIKE AND CONSCRIPTION. A.ondN.Z. SYDNEY, Jan. 31. The censure debate in the Assembly is not yet finished. Mr. Storey " hammered " the Government over its decision during the late strike to assume control of the whole of the coal mines in the State, and its agreement with the Victorian Government to lease certain mines, including the erection of houses for miners sent from Victoria to work mines here, details of which were allegedly kept secret. The Victorian Government, he said, subsequently rejected the proposal. He strongly attacked the National party over conscription, accusing them of going back on their promise not to support its introduction. He alleged victimatisation in connection with the strike. The Premier, Mr. W. A. Holman, made a spirited reply to these charges. STORM IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (Reed. 9.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 31. A cyclonic storm has developed on the coast of New South Wales, causing gales, heavy rain, and rough seas. Fortunately Sydney missed the greatest force- of the storm. SOLDIERS MARRIED ABROAD. (Reed. 9.20 p.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 31. , The Premier, Mr. W. A, Holman, lias I instructed the Agent-General in London to extend the benefit of assisted passages to the wives of soldiers married in Britain desiring to emigrate. Sir C. G. Wade states that 2000 marriages were solemnised recently, averaging 800 a month. PLAN TO COMMANDEER SHIPS. SYDNEY, Jan. 31. In the State Assembly, Dr. R. Arthur's motion urging the Federal Government to commandeer all coastal and interState shipping for the use of carrying food, was defeated by 56 votes to 13.

RAIN DAMAGING THE CROPS. SYDNEY. Jan. 31. Heavy general rains are falling, and coming on top of an already rainy season, the result will be considerable damage to fruit and wheat crops.