AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8868, 31 October 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PLAGUE OF GRASSHOPPERS. CROPS DEVASTATED. Received October 30, 10.18 a.m. SYDNEY, October 30. Grasshoppers have devastated the crops in the Trangie district. They invaded the town and died in the streets in myriads. ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION. Received October 30,. 10.18 a.m. BRISBANE, October 30. The steamer Changsha, which has arrived here from Hongkong, has brought sixteen Manchurian ponies, which are to be forwarded to New Zealand for Commander Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. IMMIGRATION LEAGUE. Received October 30, 9.32 a.m. SYDNEY. October 30. _ A split has occurred in the Immigration League, that portion led by Dr. Arthur forming a new lengue. THE FEDERAL TARIFF. GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS REDUCED. Received October 30, 10.18 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 30. The Federal House has fixed the general duty on confectionery at 3d per lb, and the preference duty to Britain at 2Jd, as against the Government proposal of 3|d and 3Jd respectively. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WHEAT. SUBSTANTIAL BALANCE FOR EXPORT. Received October 30, 10.18 a.m. ADELAIDE, October 30. The newspaper Advertiser estimates the wheat yield at 14,506,000 bushels, an average of 7.91 bushels per acre. This gives an exportable balance of 10,506,000 bushels. THE FISHING INDUSTRY. Received October 30, 10.18 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 30. The Federal Government is taking steps to develop the fishing industry. Arrangements are being completed for the construction of a trawler. CHINESE LABOUR. PROTEST AGAINST PROHIBI--1 TION. Received October 30, 10.18 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 30. Mr E. F. Mitchell, K.C., as counsel for Chinese residents, appeared at the bar of the State Assembly to protest against the provisions of the Factories Bill prohibiting the employment of Chinese. He claimed that the number of Chinese employed in factories was decreasing, and asked the House to pause before enacting a measure which might lead to a boycott against trade with China, which the Government was endeavouring to build up, similar to the Chinese boycott against American goods.