THE COMMONWEALTH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14040, 25 October 1909, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH.

AN INSURANCE CASE. Press Association-Bv MELBOURNE, Oct. 23. The "Clarion" has published a series of articles and cartoons severely attacking the Citizens' Company in connection with the amalgamation with the Mutual Life Association. The claim of the Mutual Life and Citizens' Company sets out that the National Mutual Life Association by its duly authorised agents, falsely and maliciously for the purpose of injuring plaintiff's business and increasing its own business, published the articles complained of as being published by the " Clarion." The National Mutual Life Association, while, paying £3OO into Court denied all liabilty. PRESS CABLE SERVICE. The Senate adopted Mr Pearce's moton for the appointment of a. select committee to inquire into the conditions of the Press cable service. The Minister of Customs expressed the opinion that the Cable Association was merely a business venture. Inquiries had utterly failed to show that any monopoly existed or that it was doing anything detrimental to the interests of the public. The proposed committee was unreasonable and unfair. Mr Trenwith said ■he considered that it would be improper to spend public money for the purpose of inquiring into a monopoly which did not exist.

SILVER COINAGE. Received 5.5 p.m., Oct. 24th. MELBOURNE, Oct. 24. The Federal Treasurer lias asked the Imperial mint for authority to send out £200,000 worth of florins, shillings, sixpences and threepenny pieces as the first instalment of Australian coinage. Meantime an arrangement is being made to withdraw £IOO,OOO worth of the present- silver currency. SALE OF HORSES. SYDNEY, Oct. 23. At the horse sales, Mr YT. Brett's 20 New Zealand draught horses realised £724, the prices ranging from £24 to £46. NEW'OIL FIELD. Nouniean advices state that an Australian oil syndicate has struck a. good flow of oil near Nouinea at a depth of 750 feet. POTATOES SHUT OUT. , SYDNEY, Oct. 24. The French/Consul is advised that the Governor-General of New Caledonia has prohibited the landing of potatoes from New Zealand, Victoria and Tasmania, and those from other Australian States must bo accompanied by a certificate of soundness. MINISTRY DEFEATED. HOBART, Oct. 23. The want of confidence motion was carried by a majority of six. It is understood that Mr Earle, the Premier, will ask for, a. dissolution.