AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19518, 18 May 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(By Telegraph—Press Assm—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, May 17. Officials of the Returned Soldiers’ Association state that nearly 1000 returned soldiers are unable to find work and are literally on the bread line in Sydney. At least another 1000 in other parte of the State are practically destitute. Officiate declare that the Government dole leaves them in the position of watching their children die of malnutrition and of lack of medical necessities. They bitterly complain of the apathy of employers and the Federal Government officiate. -The Government has decided to allot £lOO,OOO for relief works for the unemployed. Sir George Fuller promised a deputation that steps would be taken to urge the police to prohibit seditious speeches in the Domain. Complaints have been made of Communist and other advocates poisoning the minds of young people by insidious propaganda which te both disloyal and blasphemous. Sir George Fuller referring to the recent reiterated request by the City Council for a Royal Commission to inquire into civic affairs states that it is impracticable to appoint one for inquiry over the whole period of seventeen years but he will acquiesce if a specific period is stated. The French prisoners were brought to Sydney as the result of legal action taken on their behalf. A writ of habeas corpus will be applied for. If the application fails both prisoners will be placed on the Pacifique. (Received May 17, 10.15 p.m.) Rich gold bearing reefs have been discovered at Munel Tank, near Canbelego. (Received May 17, 7.5 p.m.) The High Court delivered a decision having an important effect on co-operative companies as regards restraint of trade. The Court, upsetting the lower Court’s decision, held that where a co-operative company binds its members to supply all their produce to the company for a long period the rule is invalid and in restraint of trade unless a member can cease to be a member whenever he pleases. In this case the defendant’s share was not fully paid up and he could not get out when he pleased. The decision, is the first of the kind given in Australia by the High Court. MELBOURNE, May 17. The official military view of the Defence retrenchment scheme is that the Government has framed its proposals wisely and that the promise of peace in the Pacific hasmaterially reduced the obligations of the Commonwealth to build up an expensive military organisation. The Ministry has been guided by two facts, first, the prospect of at least ten years’ peace in the Pacific and, second, the imperative demand for economy. The Ministry has cut its coat according to its cloth and decided to abandon all appearances which might show an offensive instead of a defensive attitude. Mr Charlton has been reappointed leader of the Labour Party. It is understood that the party is prepared to support the Watt or any other section of the House which will overthrow Mr Hughes.