AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10538, 13 August 1912, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

—& United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received August 13, 10 a.m.) PRICE OF MEAT. . SYDNEY, August 13. The butchers at Grafton have raised the prices of meat 75 per cent. GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S RESIDENCE. Mr Fisher and Mr M'Gowen are still negotiating regarding the Sydney Government House question. So far the Commonwealth's offer is below the Stato's demands. MEASLES. Measles are more prevalent than they have been for many years and the mortality is very heavy. EXPORT OF MEAT STOPPED. Mr Holman states that owing to the high prices the export of meat has practically stopped. SLUMP IN GAS SHARES. The result of the Bill which the Government is l introducing dealing with gas companies with the object of cheapening the price, providing heavy penalties for supplying defective illuminant, and fixing that dividends shall not exceed 4 per cent on the paid-up capital of companies, has been that gas shares liavo slumped heavily. The Australian Gaslight Company's shares have fallen £4 10s since Friday, and are now £l3 10s. THE CLARKE-NORTON LIBEL CASE. MELBOURNE, August 13. Archbishop Clarke was presented with an illuminated address by the leading laymen of the diocese. Replying, the Archbishop stated that the £IOOO awarded him in connection with tlio late libel action had been absorbed in costs over and above those allowed by the rules of the Court.