THE COMMONWEALTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16641, 25 January 1922, Page 8

THE COMMONWEALTH.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 25, 10.20 a.m.) PREFERENCE TO SOLDIERS. SYDNEY, January 25. The City Council rescinded the resolution adopted _in 1016 providing for preference to unionists in its employment and affirmed that preference be given to returned soldiers. (Received January 25, 11.15 a.m.) LIQUOR IN THE NEW HEBRIDES. Panuary 25. Speaking at the missionary reception tho Rev Patterson said:—We need prohibition in the New Hebrides because. although the law proliiibts the sale of liquor to natives, it is sold openly. CHARGES AND COUNTERCHARGES. The Sydney City Council has decided, in view of the degrading charges and counter'charges which have been made in the council, seriously reflecting upon its bona fides, to ask for the appointment of a Royal Commission of investigation, particularly into the resumption proposals for the acquirement of municipal mines and other properties, and tenders. The charges refer to the period prior to the recent elections. IMPORTS AND EXPORTS. Last year the New South Wales imports? were valued at £53,111,000, and the exports at £50,902,000. SECOND TELEPHONE LINE TO SYDNEY. MELBOURNE. January 25. A second telephone line to Sydney ha 9 been opened. It will relieve the congestion on the initial line. / A VACANT SEAT. There is a great rush of candidates for the Federal seat rendered vacant by the death of Mr F. G. Tudor. Twentyeight have been nominated.