AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2527, 30 July 1915, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

"A MERCILESS INQUIRY" CHARGE OF FLEECING ARMY NURSES. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyrisht (Rec. July 29, 10.15 p.m.) Melbourne, July 29. Speaking in the Federal House tho Primo Minister (Mr. Fisher) promised a merciless inquiry into allegations which had been made of undue influence having been used to induce nurses going to tho front to buy their uniforms from certain firms at high prices. Ho agreed that the Government should provido tho whole of the equipment for war. It was hard to find a single instance, i he added, where the Government went to the market for war necessities freo from the gravest apprehension that they would not get a fair deal. Such suspicions were unfair to honest dealers. THE WHEAT SUPPLY. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION, (Rec. July 29, 11.4-5 p.m.) Sydney, July 29. The- Commodities Commission is considering additional claims for compensation under tho Wheat Act. The secretary of the Wheat Acquisition Board stated that during last month the Government had had a, tremendous rush of -wheat. The farmers apparently had concluded that the price of wheat would probably be less thau last year, and the board had accumulated a surplus of £10,000 cmt of an administrative charge of j'd. x in 1 tho bushel, which result was . achieved ' by careful management. and the carrying out of the work in an up-to-date manner. It is believed that farmers are still holding and deliberately hiding quantities of wheat sufficient to affect importations.

LIVERPOOL ,CAMP INQUIRY. "HAMSTRUNG WITH RED TAPE.'.! • (Roc. July 29, 11.45 p.m.) • Sydney, July 29.. At the ' Liverpool Camp inquiry, Colonel Feathcrstone, Director-General of Medical Services, stated that, having examined a' number,of camps, he considered Liverpool to be the best, he had seen. Counsel exhaustively analysed the evidence, and said that the Defence Department was "hamstrung" with red tape, and the officers were so wrapped up in swaddling -clothes and Ted tapo that they were afraid to move till' they got authority. Right throughout the inquiry had been a plea, of confession and avoidance.

ALLEGED VICTIMISATION. (Rec. July 30, 1.25 a.m.) Sydney, July 29. Private Harrison, a recent witness at tho camp inquiry, appeared before > Mr. Justico Rich and complained of victimisation. Since giving evidence he alleged he was unable even to leave his work to get a drink of water without risking arrest. He appealed to Mr. Justice Rich for leave of absence until the transport sailed. Victimisation was denied. Mr. Justice Rich recommended that Harrison bo given leave until the transport sailed. He said that if he found an authenticated, case of victimisation he would deal with the offender in' the strongest possible manner. It would bo monstrous , if witnesses were dealt with by the authorities.

i WAR PENSIONS. ! '. PROPOSED EXTENSION-OF •/: BENEFITS. (Rec. July 29, 8.40 p.m.). Melbourne,. July 29. The War Pensions Ajnending Bill has been introduced in the Federal House. It provides for the inclusion of members of the Medical Corps and nursing staffs, and the Pensions Board is displaced by a Commissioner of Pensions and Deputy-Commissioner 'for each State. Tho main Act provided that remarriage would- void widows', pensions, and this marriage provision has been extended to' all femaflle dependents.

KEEPING TRACK OF ENEMY SUBJECTS. NO CHANGE OF NAME ALLOWED. (Rec. July 29, 8.20 p.m.) Melbourne, July 29. Under the War Precautions Act a new order lias been issued providing that no enemy subject, or naturalised subject of enemy origin, shall, after' August I,assume or continue to use any nanio other than that whereby ho was ordinarily known prior to the war. Tho order also applies to firms and companies. .A woman who married an enemy, or naturalised subject, howover, will not bo required to alter the name she-had thus acquired.

A PIONEER SHIP. ' T '■ AUSTRALIA'S TRADE WITH f " AMERICA. \ \ (Rec. July 29 ; 8.20 p.m.) Sydney, July, 29. Speaking at a Teception on board tho [ steamer Colusa, the pioneer vessel of a new line of American vessels, which brought'wheat and butter for tho Government, Mr. Hall (State AttorneyGeneral) said that in view of the promised good season, the Government was selling out of business, and would now leave the. wheat in the hands of .the Sussex Street firms. With tlie German vessels qut of the running, there was a good opening for vessels like tho Colusa. The American Cousul-General said that the policy of the American Government was "Reciprocate." "I liavo told Australia, and New Zealand that America is willing to admit your wool, hides, 'and meat duty free, and other' products at reduced rates. In return we naturally wish to trade with you."

; PACIFIC MAIL SERVICES. ROYAL COMMISSION'S REPORT. (Rce. July 2D, 15.15 p.m.) Melbourne, July 29. The report of the Royal Commission which inquired into the mail servico to the Lord Howe, Norfolk, and Papuan Islands,' recommends that a faster and "more frequent service be provided with cold, storage and wireless establishment, post office, and wireless station at Norfolk Island. The Commission also finds that there is no evidence' to support a statement that the Burns-Philp Company is retarding progress at the New Hebrides. LOSSES BY THE DROUCHT. STATE FINANCING PURCHASE OF ■ NEW STOCK. Melbourne, July 2D. The State Minister of Works (the Hon. F. Hogelthorn) promised consideration of the Western Districts dairymen's request to.advance £100,000 to replace 11,000 ' cows lost through the drought- The Minister considered that £200,000 would be required, if the losses iu other districts wero included.

OVERDUE STEAMER. QUEEN MAUD, FROM NEW YORK .TO FREMANTLE. Fremantle, July 29. Anxiety is felt for the safety of the Dunlop Steamship Company's Queen Maud, 4344 tons, now ten days overdue from New York. The Queen Maaid loaded at the Americau port on behalf of tho Vacuum Oil Company, and sailed on May 29 -for ■ Fremantle, Adelaide, Hobart, and

[ Melbourne. Captain Howes is in com' mand of tlio vessel.] FEDERAL WAR FINANCE. WAR LOAN BILL THROUGH THE SENATE. Melbourne, July 29. The Senate has passed tho 6$ million War Loan Bill. The Prime Minister (Mr. Fisher) will present his Financial Statement and introduce tho War Taxation Bill next week. FORBIDDEN TO ENLIST. SKILLED MEN FROM THE FACTORIES. ' Sydney, July 25. The Federal Government has forbidden enlistment by skilled workmen from the small arms factory, dockyards, and iron and steel -works. ITEMS IN BRIEF. HIGH SCHOOL DESTROYED B7 FIRE. (Rec. July 29, 10.45 p.m.) Melbourne, July 29. The High School at Ballarat has been destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at £20,000. FOODSTUFFS AND LIQUOR IN . TASMANIA. (Rec. July 29, 11.45 p.m.) ' Hobart, July 29. ' The Tasmanian Assembly has 'pajsad tho Foodstuffs Commission Bill, which empowers the Government to obtain returns of foodstuifs. The Licensing Bill, providing for the closing of hotels, lias been amended to operate on January 1.