AUSTRALIAN.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 12 March 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

(United Press Association ■■^Copyright.) SYDNEY,''March 11. A further report by the expert appointed to inquire into the condition of the city electric light .plant condemns aldermanic interference, and indicates that, if official recommendations had not been over-ridden, the trouble would not have arisen. ■■■■•'-.' Bishop Stretch, addressing the Anglican Synod, said the situation with regain! to Socialism must be met. Poverty cried aloud, and must bo faced. ! What was proved to be anti-social must { go, for the State lives arid thrives in virtue of its social forces. MELBOURNE, March 11. The Comptroller-General of Customs, reporting on the Adelaide opium smuggling case, says it is very doubtful if the prohibition has lessened, to , any. great extent, the amount of ppiuni brought into Australia. x The price has risen enormously, but users are willing to pay the price. The gains are so enormous that others besides Chinese are tempted to enter the trade, the great bulk of which is smuggled in from coal steamers. He feared that a certain quantity would continue to find its way in despite all efforts. He urges the various States to pass such suppressive legislation as will strengthen the hands of the police. The Postmaster-General has sanctioned the Vancouver mail steamers calling at Fanning Island on the trip from Canada,:instead of on the outward run, subject to the condition that the change shalp'hot be detrimental'to Australian interests. ADELAIDE. March 11. Magnificent i*ains have fallen over the whole ■ State. There are heavy floods ;n the north, and trains are blocked between Warrina and Ooduadatta.