AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19511, 10 May 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.; (Australian and N.Z. Cable association.) SYDNEY, May 9. ; Received May 9, 7.20 p.m.) The need to relieve the large number •f unemployed returned soldiers is becoming more pressing in view of the approaching winter, but owing to the general 1 congestion of the labour market it is proving a more difficult understaking than was expected A meeting called by the Lord Mayor proved futile owing to the non-at-tendance of large employers, whose cooperation is essential. With the object of developing trade with Australia an exhibition of the products of the Dutch East Indies, promoted by the Dutch Government has been opened in Sydney. The opening speeches emphasised the mutual benefit- the two countries would derive from promotion of exchange of commodities. The report of the geological experts who conducted a survey of a portion of mandated New Guinea with a view to determining the value of the reputed oil discoveries is generally unfavourable. It states that probably small quantities of oil could be obtained, but it is doubtful if they would repay the outlay and working cost. The Federal Government favours additional surveys, and in the meantime it is refusing to grant oil leases or prosoecting licenses. SYDNEY, May 9. The New South Wales Trade Commissioner at Tokio has been recalled, the Government stating that trade representation in foreign countries is the business of the Federal Government.