AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20991, 2 April 1930, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

BIG FIRE IN SYDNEY. WHOLE BLOCK THREATENED. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 1. A fire which broke out in the premises of Harris Bros., drapers, George street, city, about 4 a.m. this morning, spread rapidly and endangered the large shopping blocks in George and Goulburn streets. The flames leapt high into the air. Firemen from every city station were stili fighting the flames at a late hour. 4 GOOD SAVE EFFECTED. SYDNEY, April 1. Firemen from eight brigades effected a good save, assisted by the car parking area, which prevented the flames spreading along the block. Harris's premises were gutted, and the adjoining shops suffered badly from water. The damage will run into many thousands of pounds. PRISONERS ON STRIKE. 0 OFFICIAL RETICENCE. PERTH, April 1The prisoners in Fremantle gaol who went on strike last week have been ordered a. diet of bread and water and extra imprisonment. Official information is refused. CUSTOMS REVENUE FOE MARCH. RECORD FIGURE REACHED. 1 . CANBERRA, April 1(Received April 1, at 9 p.m.) The Customs revenue for March soared to an unprecedented figure, totalling £4,729,000, which is £1,419,000 above the corresponding month last year. That the imports should increase in this remarkable manner gt a time of great financial stringency is the subject of much comment, hut an explanation is largely providevi by the fear by importers that_ further tariff increases are pending. The increase also reflects a frenzied rush to remove goods from bond. The postal revenue for March shows a huge increase. THE NARKUNDA DELAYED. WAITS FOR THE MAKURA. SYDNEY, April 1. (Received April 2, at 0.5 a.m.) Seven New Zealand passengers by the Makura were able to join the Narkunda for London to-day owing to the latter liner being held back an hour for their ; convenience. DEATH ON THE MAHENO. NO DOCTOR CARRIED. MELBOURNE, April 1. ✓ (Received April 2, at 1.30 a.m.) The death of Miss Clara Chettle, aged 50, a passenger on the Maheno, which arrived from Bluff on Saturday, was inquired into by the navigation authorities, and a verdict was returned that death was due to natural causes. Criticism had arisen owing to the Maheno carrying no doctor, although 213 passengers were on hoard. The patient became ill a day out from Bluff, and medical advice was obtained by radio. Miss Chettle died when the Maheno was about to berth.