AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 50, 23 February 1912, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, February 21. Cabinet has appointed Messrs Holman, Griffiths, and Beeby a special committee to enquire into the establishment of State ironworks. The steamer Atua, from Fiji, reports sighting a quantity of wreckage on the Middleton reef, consisting of the stern portion ,of what appeared to be a scow, the wheel standing out of the water. The Atua steamed close in, but there Avas no sign of life. It is considered probable that the wreckage belonged to the schooner Whangaroa, abandoned last year off Lord Howe Island.

In place of yesterday’s lapsed motion the Government is faced with tAvo motiorite of censure. As soon as tho Assembly met Mr Levien gave notice to move to-morrow that Mr Speaker Willis does not possess the confidence of the House. Tho motion was greeted by Opposition cheers. A feAV minutes later Mr Wade gave notice to move to-morrow that the Government does not possess tho confidence of the House. Mr Wade declined Mr McGowon’s suggestion to proceed with the debate to-night. After transacting formal business the Assembly adjourned, pending the censure debate to-morroAV.

(Received 22, 10.55 a.m.) Sydney, February 22. The value of the mineral output of New South Wales last year was £9,758.000, an increase of £1,021,000 over the previous year. The increase is mainly due to coal, silver, lead and copper. Tlie aggregate value of metals won to the end of 1911 is £21.7,877.000.

H. Patten, brother of James Patten, erstwhile the American Wheat King, has arrived from America. He declares that lie has no intention of cornering the market or doing business in Australia—America was quite a big enough field. Melbourne, February 22.

The evidence has boon concluded in the Peacock case. Accused was not admitted to bail as previously. Adelaide, February 22.

The final election figures are: Assembly—Liberals 21, Labour 10; Council—Liberals 12, Labour 0.