AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19508, 6 May 1922, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

SYDNEY, May 4. The Legislative Council passed the second reading of the Salaries Bill by 26 to 17 and the measure was earned through all stages without amendments. The Assembly adjourned till Tuesday for the signing of the Bill. A prorogation for a few weeks is then indicated. The Minister of Lands has decided to submit to auction freehold Crown lands in the city and country not required by the Government.

Sir Thomas Henley, who is taking stock of the public services, says that he finds the State employs no less than 14| per cent of the adult male population. The annual wages bill amounts to £14,658,000. He said the Government did not stand for cheap labour or sweated conditions, but he gave a plain hint that it intended to secure a fair day’s work for the money paid or know the reason why. Damage as the result of fire in the business centre of Harramine on Sunday is estimated at £3OOO.

A report from Manilla district that owing to drought conditions pastures are burned up and sheep are selling down to fifteen pence a head. A bullock is purchasable for the price of a pair of boots. MELBOURNE, May 4.

The Inspector for the Caulfield Council reported that he found a stable which was used as a self-contained flat. The stalls and feed room were converted into living rooms. The Council is taking steps to ascertain what action can be taken.

PERTH, May 4. Dr Thrower, Bishop of North-West Australia, instancing the effect of aboriginal mission work in Kimberley, said he knew one native who became a thorough gentleman, a good Christian, and an interesting platform speaker, though six years previously he had eaten his aunt. PORT DARWIN, May 4.

Harry Summerfield, living on Alligator river, was standing on the bank when a large alligator seized him by the leg, and dragged him into the water. He jammed his thumb into the saurian’s eye and forced him to release him, but it then seized and broke his wrist. He poked his thumb into the other eye, blinding the alligator. He then escaped badly injured. He was taken to the hospital. SYDNEY, May 4. Mr Hughes is touring the northern districts. While taking riding exercise at Grafton his horse unshipped him and the Prime Minister fell heavily and broke his collarbone. The fracture is not serious. He was removed to his hofel. and will require a week to rest. The tour will probably be abandoned. Consequent on the fall in prices of wheat meat, and other commodities the Australian public are growing restive and inquisitive regarding the continued retention by the restaurants of high prices of meals established during the war time. In some cases slight reductions are now being made, but there is no general movement in that direction. The keepers of restaurants claim that no appreciable reduction is possible until the basic wage and high rente are reduced.

Mr Hughes promised the promoters of the new state movement that the Federal Government would give the people a chance of deciding by referendum whether there would be new states created in New South Wales, Queensland, and West Australia.

THE WHEAT MARKET. LONDON, May 4. Cargoes are quiet and fully steady in sympathy with the American advance. Tteje is sustained inquiry from the Contineht, but the demand is slow in Britain. Clearpool and Nordie 58/-, 2000 tons ex Austral Grange 58/-, Tallawa 59/9, Australian parcel ex-Bullaren 57/-, City of Norwich 57/3, Liverpool Parcel ex-Tropic 57/r, Australian passage 57/6. AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. SYDNEY, May 4. Oats, Algerian feeding 3/9, Tasmanian 3/10 to 3/11, white 4/1. Maize, yellow 5/6, white 5/1 to 5/3. Potatoes, Tasmanian £8 6/-. Onions, new Brown Spanish £7 10/-. ADELAIDE, May 4. Oats, Algerian, feeding 3/- to 3/1.