Australian News.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 4 June 1923, Page 9

Australian News.

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT

Sydney: The Editor of the “Sydney Referee” has received intimation from Mr B. J. Kortlang, formerly a representative cricketer, at present in London, that the manager of the New York Giants Baseball team has authorised him to organise a tour of Australia. ’ The Inter-State Associations are being aproached, and. there is every likelihood of a tour eventuating.

A terrific explosion at Annandale last night resulted in tlie total destruction of the compressed gas factory of Messrs Allen Leversedge Limited. Patrick Kennedy, an employee, was burnt to death instantly. The following Birthday Honours are announced—Knights Bachelor, Mr G. H. Knibbs, Commonwealth Science Director; Mr William Loton, Perth; Mr Swanson, Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Melbourne: • As a result of a conference of representatives of the Victoria Racing Amateur Turf Williamstown and Moonee Valley Olubs, an instruction has been issued to bookmakers operating on the courses mentioned to discontinue concession betting. In future they must bet for a win or for a place. At a meeting of the Navy League the speakers stressed that if tlie Japanese fortified the Marshall and Caroline Islands her naval bases would be 2000 miles nearer Australia than at present, They urged the need for a definite Australian naval policy. Prominence was given to the fact that Britain was no longer the first sea power, having fallen below the Lnitea States. Speakers contended that it was unsafe for any single nation at the present time to disarm, and Australia’s defence policy must be part ot an Empire policy.

Hobart: Heavy rains have been general durjntr tlie past month. The tides were the highest for many years. Floods are reported in various parts of the Island.