AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2491, 18 June 1915, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright THE COMMODITIES ACT. ADMINISTRATION CRITICISED. Sydney June 17. In the State Assembly, Mr. Wade, Leader of the Opposition, moved a'motion censuring the Government's administration of the Commodities Act as being harassing to producers, discouraging to agricultural settlement, and increasing the cost of living. Mr. Wade said that his motion was merely intended as a ground-work for the administration of the Commodities Act. He appealed for a party truce during war time, and urged .an organised recruiting campaign. In an earnest speech he declared that a large proportion of young men did not realise their duty to the Empire. For every one enlisting, there were nine or ten who should be doing their duty. The Hon. W. A. Holman defended the Commodities Commission. He indicated that while lie 6aw no reason why the cordial relations between the Government and the Opposition should cease, ho intended to push on the legislative programme. The House adjourned.

MARK OF RESPECT TO SOLDIER- .. MEMBER. . (June 17, 11.35 p.m.) The State Assembly has adjourned Sydney, June 17. till Tuesday as a mark of respect to the late Sergeant Laikin, who'was a member of the House, and who was killed in action iu the Dardanelles. NEW SOUTH WALES DRINK BILL. INCREASE OF 3s. yd. PER HEAD. Sydney, June 17. . Archdeacon Boyce shows that the drink expenditure per head of population is £4 6s. Sd., an increase of 3s. 9d., making an increase per head during the past five years of 9s. 9d. He attributes this to the wave of prosperity whioh so greatly enlarged the spending power, and shorter _ hours, affording workers more spare time. The biggest increases were in colonial lv>er and sparkling wines. Archdeacon Boyce points out the baneful effects of drinking on the war, and earnestly stresses the need for drastics restrictions similar to those other countries have adopted. "AUSTRALIA DAY." EFFORT TO RAISE £200,000. Sydney, June 17. The Australia Day movement aims at raising £200,000. Mr. Holman has suggested that the Belgian Committee for a month should divert the proceeds of their operations into the funds. He pointed out that the committees were raising about £2000 daily in Ne.v South Wales, the Belgian Committee at present havins £200,000 in hand. ITEMS IN BRIEF. SOLDIERS' BOOTS CONDEMNED. Melbourne, Jim® 17. ■It is stated that large quantities of soldiers' boots have been returned from Ep?pt, owing to the poor quality of the soles. FEDERAL LAND TAX. Melbourne, June 17. The Victorian Hiali Court has declared .the Federal Land Tax valid. The main point involved was whether the Federal Government had power to levy such taxation on State property. SCIENCE CONGRESS POSTPONED TILL 1917. Sydney, June 17. Owing to the war, the meeting of the Australasian Science Congress, fixed to be held at Hobart next January, has been postponed til! 1917. A NEW EXHIBITION COMMISSIONER. Melbourne, June 17. The Hon. F. Hagelthorn, Minister for Public Works, has resigned to take up the position of Vict<iri,nn_ representative at the Panama Exhibition. THE MELBOURNE JEWEL ROBBERY. Melbourne, June 17. The firm of Drummond offers a reward of £200 for the conviction of the thieves and the recovery of the stolen rings.