AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 1872, 13 February 1920, Page 10

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PRESERVATION OF FRUIT. VALUABLE DISCOVERY. Bu Cable. — Press Association. — Oopvright. (Rec. Feb. 13, 1.0) MELBOURNE, Feb. IS. The Customs Department has been notified from West Australia of the discovery of a solution which, it is claimed, will do away with the necessity for refrigerated space for the export of fruit and potatoes. It is stated that, if fruit is dipped in this solution it will be preserved for long periods, without the need of refrigeration. A cargo of apples was treated and sent as general cargo from West Australia to Singapore and back, the trip lasting six weeks. When opened the apples were in perfect condition. The cost of treatment was 1/- per case. ROSS SMITH'S PROGRESS. (Rcc. Feb. 13, 1.0) BRISBANE, Feb. 13. Captain Sir Ross Smith has arrived at Bourke, after an uneventful flight of four hours. MARINE ENGINEERS' STRIKE. (Rcc. Feb. 13, 1.0) • SYDNEY, Feb. 13. There is no change in the marine engineers' strike. The men are awaiting developments. The oflicials are afraid to call a meeting, as the opinion is that this would infringe the Government's proclamation. PRIVATIOnTn CAIRNS. (Rec. Feb. 13, 1.0) BRISBANE, Feb. 13. There is intense privation in the northern towns, owing to the flour shortage, caused by the shipping strike. Bread tickets are being issued at Cairns. NORTHERN TERRITORY INQUIRY.

(Bee. Feb. 13, 1.0) MELBOURNE, Feb. 13. Before the Northern Territory Commission, Mr Flannery, on behalf of Vestys, Ltd., denied that they were connected with the American Meat Trust. He stated that Vestys was the Trust's principal competitor, and the last bulwark against the Trust's invasion of British Dominions. Mr Barratt asked that copies of Dr Gilrnth's various banking accounts be made available. Mr Morley, who appeared for Dr Gilruth, objected, and Mr Justice Ewing upheld the objection, stating that there was no reason to investigate beyond the point which concerned the Commission. Later, Mr Morley stated what accounts would be available. Mr Justice Ewing adjourned the inquiry till Wednesday. SWIMMERS FOR EUROPE. (Rec. Feb. 13, 11.55) ADELAIDE. Feb. 13. At a meeting of the swimming associations of Australia it was decided to send five swimmers to the Olympic Games. THE WHEAT INQUIRY. (Rec. Feb. 13, 11.55) SYDNEY, Feb. 13. Replying to insinuations by Mr Storey that Mr Georgeson had been spirited away in order to close the Wheat Inquiry, the Premier (Mr W. A. Holman) has agreed to have Mr Georgeson examined by two doctors nominated by Mr Storey. LABOUR COUNCIL REJECTS PROHIBITION. (Rec. Feb. 13, 9.55) SYDNEY. Feb. 13. The Labour Council, by 69 votes to 48, rejected a motion in support of Prohibition.