THE COMMONWEALTH

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16163, 18 March 1918, Page 8

THE COMMONWEALTH

POLITICS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, March 16. * The House adjourned until March 26th, after accepting the Council's minor amendments to the Arbitration Bill. IN WEST AUSTRALIA. PERTH, March 16. The Assembly read a second time Bills amending the Loan and Inscribed Stock Act by raising the maximum interest payable from 4 to 6J per cent., raising the dividend duty from Is to Is 3d in the ■£, and authorising the Government to take 6 instead of per cent, of the gross totalisator takings.

A LARGE ESTATE. MELBOURNE, March 16. The late Rear-Admiral Bridges left real estate valued at £243,059, and personal property valued at £232,524. RECRUITING BONUS WITHHELD. MELBOURNE, March 16. ; Mr Pearco announced that the Cab- ( inet had decided not to pay the bonus to recruiting sergeants as outlined in the new recruiting scheme. | WAR LOAN CAMPAIGN. SYDNEY, March 16. The war loan campaign will inclu-le pitting the State capitals and country towns against each other. Exciting competitions are anticipated. BRITISH EMPIRE ORDER. MELBOURNE, March 16. The Governor-Gener.nl has been advised that Madam o Melba has bin crested a Dame Commander of the Order of tho British Empire. MANY' OTHER RECIPIENTS. j (Received March 17th, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. March 16. Besides Madame Melba a considerable number of other Australians have been appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire, various degrees being conferred on them. SHIPS FROM AMERICA. (Received March 17th, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 16. The crew which will bring the first of the ships'built in America for. the Commonwealth, has left Sydncv.