THE COMMONWEALTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 4, 26 January 1910, Page 8

THE COMMONWEALTH.

Serious floods affected the inland districts of New South Wales, the rivers rising to record heights. Many townships were isolated and hundreds of settlers have been left homeless. Over a dozen lives were lost, and the damage to property is enormous. Relief funds have been opened. The Newcastle strike still continues, and hopes of a settlement are still distant. The Southern miners ballotted, by a small majority, in favour of a Compulsory Wages Board, but they will not return to work till the demands of their northern fellow-unionists are satisfied. Peter Bowling proposes a scheme of conciliation, but it is not considered likely that the employers will accept this. Lord Kitchener has carefully inspected the defences of Melbourne and the: forces of Victoria, after 'which he had i lengthy conference with the Federal Ministry, Mr. Deakin subsequently remarking that by the help of Lord Kit-

chener's judgment and knowledge, Cabinet hoped to revolve a defence scheme which would stand to them without idle sacrifice of their young manhood in the last emergency.