"GRAFT" ALLEGATIONS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2404, 9 March 1915, Page 6

"GRAFT" ALLEGATIONS

THE AUSTRALIAN WHEAT ACT

EVIDENCE BEFORE THE ROYAL COMMISSION By Tslejmuili—Ptosa Association—Copyright (Reo. March 8, 9.20 p.m.) Sydney, March 8. At tho Royal Commission Inquiry into alleged corruption in connection with the Wheat Acquisition Act, evidence given by a number. of partners and others in the Coalamon 'district showed that a deputation interviewed the member for the district and Ministers about the Bill. Subsequently an agent, was appointed to canvass the districts with the object of obtaining subscriptions with a. view to taking steps to securing the cancellation of wheat contracts..

The witnesses gave varying versions as to how the money was .expended. Some said they had been told it was to go to the Labour Caucus. • Others that it went to pay tho solicitor for putting the subscribers' case before the Ministers. One witness alleged that he had been told that £300 was paid to the Labour Caucus. The inquiry is proceeding. GERMAN STEAMERS IN AUSTRALIA TENDERS INVITED FOR CHARTER. Melbourne, March 8. Senator Pearce, Federal Defence Minister, invites tenders'for sis months' charter of several interned German Bailing vessels. Goods intended for interned prisoners of war will bo admitted duty free. STOCK ROUTES IN NEW SOUTH WALES BIG SCHEME SANCTIONED. Sydney, Harch 8. Cabinet has sanctioned a scheme for improving stock routes, and has voted £40,000. - Tho scheme will possibly involve an expenditure of two-millions. The eradication of rabbits and supply of water-tanks are the principal features of the scheme. i __ OBITUARY EARL OF CADOGAN. London, March 7. The death is announced of the Earl of Cadogan. [The Earl was born in May, 1840, and succeeded his father in tne title in 1873, at which time he was M.P. for Bath. In 1875 he was appointed Un-der-Secretary for War; from 1878 to 1880 was Seoretary' for the Colonies; and from 1886 to 1892 Lord Privy Seal. From 1895 to 1902 he was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His heir is his son, Viscount Chelsea, born on May 30, 1869.] DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE . SIX NATIVES DROWNED. Adelaide, March 8. A cyclone at the Bathurst_ and Melville Islands damaged the mission station and wrecked a cutter, six .natives being drowned. [Bathurst Island and Melville Island are off the coast of North Australia.] THE FIRE ON THE TOURAINE OUTBREAK UNDER CONTROL. Paris, March 8. The fire in the La Touraine is under control. CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF INDIAN WHEAT CROP. Delhi, March 7. _ The forecast of the wheat crop is 32,000,000 acres, an increase in area of 23 per. cent. SMALLPOX ON A STEAMER. Fremantle, March 8. The steamer Umballa has arrived with three of her lascars suffering from smallpox. She has been quarantined. NEW SOUTH .WALES CABINET. ' Sydnoy, March 8. The caucus meets on Wednesday next to appoint a successor to Mr. Carmichael, who resigned on account of minor differences with the Premier (Mr. W. A. Holmari). (Rec. March 8, 11.30 p.m.) x - Sydney, March 8. It is, understood that Mr. Carmichael's name was submitted at the cauous, ballot, and that it is not unlikely that he will re-enter the Cabinet, if Mr. Holmau is agreeable, on certain conditions. • IJ GRANT HERVEY'S APPEAL. Sydney, March 8. Grand Hervey's application for leave to appeal against the sentence of two years' imprisonment for forging a telegram was refused, the Judge stating that Hervey had been convicted on the clearest possible evidence. DAY BAKING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, The bakers' ballot resulted in favour of day work. ' " ' OPPRESSIVE HEAT IN SYDNEY. Sydney, March 8. The dry heat has resulted in a number of bush fires round the city, • increasing the oppressiveness of the weather. (Reo. March- 8, 9.20 p.m.) Sydney, March B.' Scorching westerlies prevail. _ The thermometer is at 101 degrees in the city, which is smothered in dust. Great heat, droughty conditions, and bush fires are prevalent in the country districts. RAILWAY TRICYCLE RUN DOWN. Sydney, March 8. The Tamworth express collided with a railway tricycle near Ourimbah, killing a ganger named O'Hara, his son, and nephew. BUSH FIRES IN AUSTRALIA. (Rec. Maroh 9, 1.35 a.m.) Sydney, March 8. The heat and bush fires are interfering with telegraphio communications.