AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16795, 20 July 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

DANGER FROM FLOODS. . By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. SYDNEY, July 19. Tho country around Bourke is hooded and the waters are extending in all directions. In some places, for 30 miles or more, tho water is expected in a few days. The Government is sending boati with blankets and provisions.— Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn. Later. . Tho' flood waters at Bourko are recoding and tho town is safe. ' PROPOSED STATE LOTTERY. SYDNEY, July 19. It is understood tho Cabinet is contemplating a SJiato sweep for revenue purposes. Replying to church criticism, Mr. Mutch (Education Minister), invited tho churches to suggest an alternative to tho lottery.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SYDNEY, July 19. MARRIED COUPLE’S DEATH. A mother .and father were found dead in bed at Barraba. Cyanide was found in the vicinity. They left three children. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE MELBOURNE STRIKE. MELBOURNE, July 19. There is no improvement in the gas strike, but the points of difference are gradually diminishing. The companies utilising volunteer labour are experiencing a coal shortage.—Aus.-K.Z. Cable Assn." CIVIL SERVICE STRIKEPERTH, July 19. Tho civil se-vico strikers have notified tho Premier of their willingness to resume negotiations for a settlement. BOtJNTY FOR PAPER. MELBOURNE, July 19. Tho Commonwealth Government is considering a new scheme for the payment of bounties on paper pulp produced in Australia, and it is expected tho scheme will bo adopted. it is designed to encourage manufacture on an extensive scale.—Aus.-N.SJ. Cablo Assn.’ MORE STRIKES LOOMING. SYDNEY, July 19. Firemen and .engine-drivers and the coal-mining industry are demanding stop-work meetings throughout the. State, claiming that tho Prime Minister’s reply to their application for a tribunal to hear their claims is unsatisfactory. Unless a satisfactory reply is received by Tuesday night meeting will bo held. GRAZIERS DEFY SHEARERS. SYDNEY, July 19. Tho Graziers’ Association, jopresenting over GOOD graziers, holding flocks totalling 20,000,OCX) sheep, refuses to concede the shearers’ demand for a 4! hours week,, stating it is a matter for ■the Arbitration Court, to decide, as it is a national question and extends far beyond shearing, having a hearing oil general labour on station, farm, and cn city industries. Therefore the graziers are determined to fight against the imposition of reduced hours.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn.