AUSTRALIAN NEWS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2498, 26 June 1915, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

THE SHORTAGE OP MEAT T it . Sydney, June 2b. in the Assembly, Mr. Koarsley inquired whether the Minister was aware that tho shortage of meat was caused by We. American Trust operating in y.uecnsland, buying up numbers of cattle; and in viow of New Zealand's excess would the Minister consider the advisability of asking the Federal Government to remove the import duty on sheep. The Hon. G. Black (Chief Secretary) replied that tie shortage was due to the drought causing a depletion of supplies from Queensland, and the amount exported for the troops. Perhaps it would be advisable to ask the Government to forego the duty. Communications had already passed, but no definite solution had been reached. PROCLAMATION OF PRICES. BUTTER IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, June 25. The Attorney-General (Hon. D. R. Hall) recently announced a proclamation of prices, which referred only to butter offered for sale in New South Wales. Pastrycooks miglit import butter from New Zealand or America to uso in their own businesses, but not to offer for sale. Several merchants Assumed that they were permitted to import and sell above the statutory price to pastrycooks _ and ship stores, and imported quantities. They now discover that they are not allowed to sell above the prices fixed, and are diverting tho careoes to other States. RAINS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide, June 25. Beneficial rains have fallen throughout the State, and there are excellent prospects for the harvest, and an abundance of feed for stock. PROFITABLE USE OF UNEMPLOYED. , Perth, June 25. The Premier of West Australia, Mr. Soaddan, stated that by tho use of unemployed the Government had cleared seven thousand acres of State property, of which five thousand aores had been planted in wheat. He anticipated that it would recoup the expenditure and leave s, profit. OPPOSITION LEADERS. (Bee. June 25, 11.15 p.m.) Adelaide, June 25. Mr. Peake has been elected Leader of the Opposition. Brisbane, June 25. Mr. Macartney has been elected Leader of the Opposition. OBITUARY. (Rec. June 25, 11.15 p.m.) Brisbane, June 25. Mr. Bailey, Government Botanist, is dead.