AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18562, 24 May 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

N.S.W. POLITICS. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. Press Asso nation—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, May 23. It is understood that a marked difference of opinion exists in the Coalition re-, specting the suggested abolition of proportional representation. The National organisation is avowedly opposed to the proportional system, but the Progressives regard it as essential to their existence. A clash is anticipated when the Government takes steps to amend the electoral system next session. SOLDIER SETTLERS ON THE LAND. SEETHING DISCONTENT. SYDNEY; May 23. (Received May 23, at 7.15 p.m.) One of the most pressing problems which the new Government is faced with is the seething discontent on some of the soldier 1 settlements. The men make sweeping complaints regarding alleged inefficient official administration, broken promises, want of necessary funds to tide over the earlier stages of settlement, develop holdings and other so-called remediable troubles. Considerable numbers have abandoned their holdings, disgusted with the treatment and barren outlook, and others are threatening to leave. The bad season has added to the difficulties of the position. ' Mr Chaffey is visiting the settlements inquiring into the complaints with a view to Government action to remove the causes of discontent. » THE LIQUOR QUESTION. PLEDGED TO REFERENDUM. SYDNEY, May 23. The annual report of the New South Wales Alliance'states that the result of the election has placed the alliance in a position of political strength hitherto never dreamed of. The alliance undertook a campaign to obtain sufficient signatures to ensure a return of a majority of members of Parliament in favour of a liquor referendum. N An analysis of the new Parliament shows that 65 memberswere pledged to a referendum* Thirty-two 6f these are known to be Prohibitionists, and there are probably more. [The total number of members in <£he House is 90,] OPPOSITION ALLEGATION. - SYDNEY, May 23. (Received May 23, at 10.50 p.m.) The Opposition alleges that the Coalition Party prior to the elections gave a pledge not to support an early liquor re- ' ferendum in the event of being returned to power, and if pressed to the last ditch the Government was to stipulate that the referendum was to be held next election day —that is, in three years’ time. WHEAT POOL. SYDNEY, May 23. Sir George Fuller reiterated that his Government was in favour of a voluntary wheat pool, which had produced successful results, Thes Government was prepared to encourage its continuance. i .GROWTH OF COMMUNISM. EVIL MUST BE ERADICATED. ' SYDNEY, May 25. Sir Ggprge Fuller, at a function at Drummoyne, referring ■to the , growth of Communism, said that determined, insidious, and systematic’ atempts were being made to destroy tjie elements in the national life which made the British Empire a powey ’ flB tho world’s good. The foundations.-bft*we national structure were being eaten by' a maligant growth which must be eradicated. > BOY’%P®WGRANTS. SPLENDID TYPE OF CITIZEN. ” SYDNEY, May 23. Over 90 boys between 13 and 18 years of age arrived by tho Moreton Bay under the Barnardo and Dreadnought schemes to settle in New South Wolep. Captain Mason, in eu|ogising the conduct of the boys on board, said that New South Wales is receiving a splendid type .of citizen. COMMONWEALTH SHIPPING LINE. “COME TO STAY.” SYDNEY, May 23. Mr G. H. Kneen, the new general manager in Australia for the Commonwealth Line, arrived by the Moreton Bay. He said that the line had come to stay. Despite much adverse criticism and trouble with the unions, the line was receiving a' fair share of business, and would win through. MRS TUCKETT IN MELBOURNE MELBOURNE, May 23. The Argus states that Mrs Tuckett, who was referred to in a cable message on Saturday, is in Melbourne, and not in London, as the cablegram stated, [The message referred to is the on© which contained Mrs Tuokett’s account of the murder of her husband. Colonel Tuckett, at Bagdad.] ' COAL MINING INDUSTRY. ACCUSATION OF POLITICAL HUCKSTERING. « SYDNEY, May 23. Mr Henley, in a criticism of the Commonwealth Government, which he accuses of political huckstering in connection with its attitude towards the coal industry, says -that the industry is being strangled by the owners, miners and the' commonwealth. ' Some miners are receiving £3O a fortnight, whilst the owners are making upwards of 50 per cent.