AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17871, 28 February 1920, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

OPENING OF FEDERAL PABLIA MENT. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, February 27. The Governor-general, in his Speech an the opening of the Federal Parliamen. forcasted a reduction in the fineness of silver coinage, the issue of notes of smaller denomination, and the appointment o! & Royal Commission to consider the whole incidence of commonwealth taxation.

Other legislation forecasted includes Bills to revise the Tariff and the Defence system and a bill for the encouragement, of immigration. Further measures will authorise tno summoning of a convention representina: the people and Parliaments of both com monwealth and States for a revision of the Constitution. The Arbitration Act will also be amended, and effect given to the principle of a basic wage. Mr W. E. Johnson was elected Speaker of the Lower House.

The Speech mentioned that the mandate for the commonwealth to administer German territories captured in tho Pacific were delayed owing to the postponement of the ratification of the Peace Treaty with Germany, but an early issue was expected, and the necessary legislation would be introduced.

Gratification was expressed at the Prim*, of Wales's visit, and it was stated that a joyous and loyal welcome was assured.

THE DARWIN INQUIRY.

MELBOURNE,~February 27. Before the Northern Territory Commission Mr E. J. Rigley gave' evidence that Dr Gilmth did not say he made any offer to the Government for the sale of the Territory to a syndicate. The Hon. Randolph Bedford's account of the interview seemed to him very incorrect and exaggerated. SWIMMING RECORDS. SYDNEY, February 27. Norman Ross, in h« final appearance, broke all records exeopfc the SOD vtvrds. His times are :—SOO metres, 6min '50 2-ssec; 830 yards, llmin 15 3-ssec; 1000 vards, 12min 57scc; 1000 metres, 14min 20"3-ssec; 1320 yards, 17min 14 3-ssec; 1500 ruetres, 21min 23sec; mile, 22min 58 2-ssec. GENERAL NEWS. SYDNEY, February 2V*. Tho Arbitration Court decided that preference to unionists is no longer legal, as returned soldiers and sailors are entitled to first preference. The Minister for Housing states that Sydney is 20,000 houses short of requirements. The Government is doing everything possible to fill tho breach. Tho Methodist Conference decided to recommend the transfer of the Solomon district to the New Zealand Methodist Church from Januarv. 1922. PERTH, February 26. Tho Wheat-growers' Conference unaniroouslv resolved that the time had arrived for the establishment of a compulsory wheat pool. MELBOURNE, February 27. The commonwealth revenue returns for tho half-year show an increase of £4.061,712 as compared with a similar period in the previous year. Sir Ross Smith declined tho offer of £10,000 for the world's rights of a limited lecturing tour.