AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18877, 1 June 1923, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

THE DRUG HABIT. AN ALARMING INCREASE. Press Association—By Tclegroph— Copyright MELBOURNE, May 31. In connection with a case in which a man was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for being found in unlawful possession of cocaine, the police state that the cocaine habit has increased to an enormous extent, particularly amongst slum dwellers. Investigation has disclosed the existence of a combine, includinor several chemists, which is engaged in distributing the drug, and independently of this combine a man who recently arrived from England, where he served a term of imprisonment for cocaine smuggling, is carrying on an extensive trade in the drug. Women are alleged to be the chief customers of the illicit traders. AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTS. < QUESTION OF PREFERENCE. MELBOURNE, May 31. Mr Bruce informed the Australian Em pire Development Union that he will be prepared to present to the Imperial Economic Conference the union's petition recommending the British Government to grant adequate preference to Australian products. SOLDIERS' GRIEVANCES. SYDNEY, May 31. A meeting of the various returned soldiers' organisations endorsed the attitude, of the Federal Executive's dispute with Mr Bruce. HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION. SYDNEY, May 31. The Hospitals Conference has recommended the Government not to interfere with the existing system of financing hospitals, as the voluntary system has not broken down. The subscriptions have been doubled in recent years. BOARD OF TRADE. . SYDNEY, May 31. The Board of Trade's term of appointment expires to-day. The board has sat for five years. The future policy of the Government is uncertain, but it is not expected that the board's term will be extended. (Received May 31, at 9.30 p.m.) The Government has reappointed the Board of Trade, on the understanding that its tenure of office is contingent upon any statutory abolition of, or alteration in, the board's constitution. GALE IN MELBOURNE. COASTAL SHIPPING SHELTERING MELBOURNE, May 31. (Received May 31, at 9.30 p.m.) A gale swept the city and surrounding districts and caused damage to the extent of thousands of pounds. Many minor accidents are reported. All coastal shipping is sheltering.