AUSTRALIAN GABLES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3581, 31 October 1922, Page 26

AUSTRALIAN GABLES.

THE RECENT SOLAR ECLIPSE. Dr AV. Campbell, the leader of the expedition from Lick Observatory, that the eclipse was expected to last smin I9sec, whereas the totality occupied only smin 16see. This will necessitate the readjustment of the astronomical data of the relative diameters of the sun and the moon to account for the discrepancy of three seconds. MANUFACTURERS’ CONFERENCE. The Conference of Associated Chambers of Manufacturers passed a resolution in favour cf voluntary conciliation boards in lieu of the existing arbitration system.; also that tho Commonwealth Shipping line, whilst it was necessary during the war, should be discontinued, to avoid a result which would be disastrous to the taxpayers. A motion was also carried urging a reduction of 6s per ton in the price of coal. The Chamber of Manufacturers passed a resolution protesting against the harassing regulations respecting the inspection of exports, also requesting exemption from, the Navigation Act in regard to Tasmania. Papuan ports, and West Australia. RACECOURSE FIRES. The detectives so far have failed to secure a clue to the Caulfield file. It is suspected that the outrage was perpetrated by members of the criminal class with am expert knowledge of fire-bombs. The Stale Government and the Victorian Amateur Turf Oiub are jointly offering a reward of £IOOO for the apprehension of the person who was responsible for the Caullielci fire. Dearly on Saturday morning a fire destroyed the horse-boxes at the Northall Racecourse. The totalisator house and grandstand were narrowly saved- by the prompt action of a railway employee who discovered the outbreak. Incendiarism is suspected. SYDNEY’S BIG BRIDGE. After an all-night debate on the North Shore Bridge Bill, the Assembly, against the wishes cf the Government, passed a motion postponing the Bill till Tuesday next. The Government then stated that it washed its hands of further responsibility in connection with the Bill, The concluding stages of the bridge debate were stormy. The Bill is practically the same as that introduced by the late Government. The Bill was a non-party measure, and the Government attempted to end the debate in one sitting. The Labourites and the Country Party resented this. They claim that the adverse vote was not against the Bill, but against the Government’s tactics. Sir George Fuller announced that the Government will go on with the North Shore Bridge Bill. RAIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Light rains have been experienced throughout the State during the past 22 hours, with further falls forecasted, heralding tho end of the dry period. Though so far it is much below Hie requirements, the ram has relieved the situation considerably in the dry areas, and it has been particularly welcome- i.n the wheat districts'. The reports indicate that many crov.s which have been considered doomed have been at least partially saved, and the harvest prospects of those which were in a fair condition have been much enhanced. Both Queensland and South Australia report much-needed good falls. Further good rain 3 are reported, especially in the northern areas. A storm, with heavy rain, in the city, did considerable damage. There were’ several narrow escapes from- death by drowning in the flooded houses. REFROCITY AGREEMENT. The annual report of the Associated Chambers of Manufacturers expresses the belief that the reciprocity arrangements between Australia and New Zealand on the whole would prove of matenal service to Australia, and would assist in extending the large volume of trade which was opened up with New Zealand during- the' war period. THE NAVIGATION ACT. Following protests by Tasmania against the Commonwealth’s action in permitting tho Ormond to carry passengers from Sydney to Melbourne during the Cup carnivals, in contravention of the Navigation Act, the Minister of Customs (Mr Rodgers) explained that the Commonwealth was extending the same privilege to Tasmania during the busy apple season, and was also granting licenses to overseas vessels to- carry passengers to t-he islands and outlying portions of the Commonwealth. MURDERED BY ABOPIGINF,?. Aborigines at Tanami surprised two brothers, Thomas and Robert Lawrie. One was speared to death, and the oilier shot a native dead before he was overpowered and killed. , , , , , Banjo, the leader of the blacks who killed Messrs Coudren and O’Sullivan at Broome, was shot, dead while escaping from a police party. GENERAL ITEMS. A plaffue of rats has been found at South Brisbane, the first for several months. Afc the’ trial of Charles Knight, charged with aUemnting to bribe certain aldermen of the Sydney City fou,noil, the jury returned a verdict of “Not guilty,” and the I he Rev. Steel Craik, formerly cf Auckland, has been inducted as chairman of the New’ South Wales Congregational Union._ In the New South Wales Assembly a Bill excluding Civil servants from the operation of the Arbitration Court was read a first time by 42 votes to 29. Butter has been reduced in Sydney hv ?<l r ,or 11). The price is now 117 s 4d per civt for first grade, and 172 s 8d for second grade. Tho West Australian Anglican Synod adopted a motion that steps be taken to sever the nexus binding the Church in A us India to tho Church in England. The Henry Lawson Memorial Cn-iu-mitteo has decided’ to erect: a statue in the city, and. funds permitting, to endow the university with a scholarship. Legal argument on the validity of the agreement between the Colonial Combing, Spinning, and Weaving Company, the Central Wool Committee, and the Commonwealth Government, respecting the nianufae-

ture and gale of wool tops has commenced before tile Full High Court. In the Tasmanian Assembly the censure motion was defeated by 15 votes to 13. In Committee of Supply £1 was knocked off the wages of the Governor’s gardener as an indication that the House desired the discontinuance of State Governors.