AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19509, 8 May 1922, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, May 5. Mr Hughes’s recent trips through South Australia and West Australia, and now northward, are regarded as pulse feelers in view of the coming Federal elections, though an early dissolution is not considered likely. In the north Mr Hughes has been bombarded with requests for the creation of a new State. He declared: “If you mean in asking for a new State that you only want the opportunity to help yourselves I am with you to the end. So far as my influence goes it is at your service.” SYDNEY, May 5. Food prices for April were 12 per cent, cheaper than in April, 1921, but 48 per cent, higher than in July, 1914. Representatives of the Producers Association pressed upon Sir George Fuller the desperate condition of the cattle industry, which they declared was faced with ruin. They asked for the reduction of railway freights by 50 per cent.; abolition of pricefixing in regard to meat; improvement in the present wasteful loading methods; and standardised official grading to prevent the shipment of inferior quality. Sir George Fuller promised the earliest consideration, stating that he realised the present position meant ruin. The Government was determined to do all possible to keep the producers on the land, and was also determined to reduce taxation. SYDNEY, May 6. Mr Bruutnell, Minister oi luuuvdi.v*., elated that the Board of Advice was willing to grant six months’ leave to Mr Verbrugghen, but without pay, and was now awaiting a reply to a cable asking Mr Verbrugghen his intentions. The orchestra meant an annual loss of £ll,OOO, and the Government was not prepared to shoulder the loss. Unless sufficient funds were subscribed to finance the orchestra it would be abandoned. Mr Ball, Minister for Agriculture, explained that as a result of the Labour Government’s guarantee to farmers of 2/6 a bushel over the Commonwealth’s 5/-, the State had incurred a loss of between £BOO,OOO and £900,000. A similar amount would be also lost in connection with over payments to other pools. Mr Bruntnell has decided that permission be grained schools desiring to place war trophies in buildings or grounds. The Labour Minister consistently refused on the ground of incalculating the spirit of militarism. The Attorney-General has decided to insist oh the observance of the strict letter of the law in connection with art unions in future. In previous years the law re lating to raffles was given liberal interpretation.' Mr Massey Greene stated that no decision has been reached respecting the fate of the Australia. There is no intention of sinking her. PERTH, May 6. A big fire destroyed the premises of Robert Harper and Company, merchants and manufacturers. The damage amounts to £40,000.