GENERAL CABLEGRAMS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2330, 11 December 1914, Page 7

GENERAL CABLEGRAMS.

By Teleuittph.—Pree3 Association— Copyright

MINE CAGE WRECKED BY DYNAMITE ~ THIRTEEN MEN KILLED Scranton (Penn.), December 9. , "While a box of dynamite was being lowered with a party of miners down a j shaft -in tho Delaware Lackawanna Western Coal Company's mine, it exploded, wrecking the cage and killing thirteen men. There was only one survivor. 6 The cage, in flames, fell to the bottom of . the shaft. THE NEW SOUTH WALES WHEAT SEIZURE BILL IN UPPER HOUSE. Sydney, December iO. The Legislative Council's amendment' altering the fixed price of seized wheat from ss. to 6s. was negatived by 23 to 10. The Bill was then amended, leaving it open to the seller to appeal to the Commodities Commission, which body is given power to increase tho Government price after hearing evi- ' dence. The Hon. F. Flowers (Vioe-President of the Executive Council) intimated, that tho Government did not want to seize all tho wheat nhless it was necessary. The farmers could sell wheat not 6eized how and where they liked. The Council passed the taxation Bills. The Houso accepted the Council's amendments and tho session ended, being adjourned till January 27. The Commodities Commission has reoommended the Government to issue a proclamation against _ the increased irices of be'er and spirits. No action has yet been taken. PROCLAMATION ISSUED. (Rec. December 10, 9 p.m.) Sydney, December 10. A proclamation has been issued prohibiting the increase in the price ■ ofdrink6 and tobacco. WEST AUSTRALIAN WHEAT. ' Perth, December iO. The official pre-harve&t estimate oi. the West Australian wheat yield is 3,272,000 bushels, an- average of 2J. bushels to tho aero. WHEAT BOOM IN VICTORIA. ■ Sydney, December 10. The farmers are rushing large quira-. tities of wheat across the Murray to secure the highe r prices ruling in tho. neighbouring State of Victoria. ' VICTORIAN WAR BUDGET TAXATION PROPOSALS. (Rec. December 11, 0.50 a.m.) Melbourne, December 10. • Last yeai'6 revenue totalled £10,572,- ' 810; the expenditure was £10,662,649.' There will be no new taxation this year.' It is proposed to issue Treasury bonds, to be redeemed by additional income tax and stamp duties. The Ministry has arranged to secure a million bushels of feed Sheat, and anticipates an increase of four million acres of cultivation, offering a yield of five million bushels- of grain. The ho-confideuce motion tabled on December 5 was defeated by 33 votes ■ to 20. L . ——- AUSTRALIAN SPORT, 1 FIXTURES ABAND.ONED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright 1 (Rec. December 11, 1.5 a.m.) Sydney, December 10. . • The East bowling tournament has 5 been abandoned, and the Australian J Swimming Championships will probably i bo postponed. . s . .

GERMAN CAPITAL INTERESTS (Rec. December 11, 0.40 a.m.) Melbourne, December 10. The Federal Attorney-General (Mr. Wm. Hughes) states that boyond all question German capital and influence monopolised th<3 base metal industry in Australia. The profits upon the turnover of 200 millions sterling found their way bv various ohannels into the pockets of the German financiers. Common sense, self-interest, and patriotism impelled Australian sentiment to end this state v of affairs. No obstacles would be presented by Parliament. Mr. Hughes added that the present position with Australian and ccrtain British cbmpanies was that they were tied up by contracts and agencies dominated by German capital. This might call for legislative action by Britain and Austrdlia." AUSTRALIAN EXPORT TRADE IN '■METALS. London, December 9. The High Commissioner for Australia (Sir George feeid) is making numerous inquiries regarding the possibility of a new market in. England for zinc ores, zinc concentrates, load, molybdenim, and wolfram. Sir George Reid has placed English firms in communication with Australian firms. AMERICAN COLONY IN NEW SOUTH WALES. . (Rec. December 11, 1.5 a.m.) Sytlfiey, December 10. The Government is considering a scheme submitted from San Francisco for the establishment of a co-operative colony of American citizens in New South Wales. QUEENSLAND SUGAR CROP. (Rec: December 11, 0.50 a.m.) Brisbane, December 30. The Queensland sugar crop for the current season is officially estimated at 225,252 tons, a decrease of 17385 tons. CONTROL OF PRICES COMMISSION. THE COAL PROBLEM. (Rec. "December 11, 0.50 a.m.) Sydney, December 10. . All sections of the coal industry were represented at ft special sitting of the Commodities Committee to consider the selling price of coal. .'The president explained that the inquiry originated through the inability of the gas companies to procure Maitland coal, owing to the strike,' necessitating the purchase of less suitable coal at an increased price. The Commission is con- ■ sidering the advisability of placng Now South Wales on an equal footing with outsiders by giving the State a- preferential option over its own. coal.

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' WIVES.

• London, December 9. Many protests have /been made against the War Offico regulations requiring tile polico to keep registers of .soldiers' and sailors' wives, with a riglit to*enter their houses to ascertain that the separation allowances aro 'not abused. The London police havo greatly modified tlie regulation, and are avoiding tho home inquisition. Wives accused of drunkenness are subjected to persuasion, instead of prosecution. There is still a demand that the women should spend (lio allowance as they please, which is tlm objcot of tlie ordmary law. FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS. London, Decembor 0. "The Times" suggosts tliat _ profes-sional-football competitions, wliich have an unique influence upon recruiting, should be roplacod J)y matchcs between different uuits of the New Army. "Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.