AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2626, 23 November 1915, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

FALSE RUMOURS ALLEGED LOSS-OF AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT.- . Hi Telegraph—Press Association—CoDyrijtlu Melbourne, Novomber 22. In consequence of: rumour's, regarding file loss of an Australian "'transport that have recently been, in circulation, Sir. Jensen, Federal .-Minister for'the'Navy, has issued an unqualified/denial. Ho believes the rumours .to be . the work of enemy agents,, and.warns the public not to heed tlieni. . • ;-'V

' WOMAN STABBED WITH A BAYONET.

DOMESTIC TRAGEDY I.N MELBOURNE.

Melbourne, November 22.

An elderly woman named" Mrs. Johnston lias ,been fatally stabbed with a bayonet.. "Her brotlibr, William Quinlan, after a. desperate ' struggle, disarmed tho murderer, who ' escaped. Subsequently M'Niimara,- Quintan's son-in-law, wlio had beotfSeparated from his wife as the result of. frequent quarrels, ivas arrestedon a' charge of murdering Mrs. Johnston. ' ' M'Namara called at. the bouse where his wife lived with, her nnclc, Quinlan. Airs. Johnston opened the door, and in reply to M'Namara's request to see his .wife, said:."lf you linvo anything W say say it to me. If you make trouble we will send for the poiice." M'Namara thereupon stabbed her, saying, "That is all ,1 have to say." Quinlan wa3 not seriously injured.

PURCHASING POWER OF THE SOVEREIGN. ITS RAPID DECREASE.

(Rec. November 22, 9;3a p.m.)'

Sydney, November 22. Mr. Justice Heydon li'as issued a statement regarding the alarming; situation which lias been created by the 'rapid dccrcaso in tho purchasing value of the sovereign, which is affecting the living wage; "H« gave a' judgment in 'February, 1914, in whicli lie directed that wages should fluctuate according to the purchasing value of the sovereign. It then stood at 235. 6d., and was now 28s. Id., increasing tho living wage from 48s. to 635. Mr. Justice Heydon lias decided that the resultant increaso in tlie cost of living cannot be met by increased wages, and tlie .obligations of the Wages Boards under the clauso therefore must ba suspended. He has referred the matter to tho Government: ■' NEW TRIAL FOR CONDEMNED MAN. THE STANMORE WIFE MURDERER. (Roc. November 22, 8.35 p.m.) Sydney, November 22. John' Thomas Tucker, who was found guilty and -sentenced to death. for the murder of 'his wife and brother at Stagmoro in June last, has been granted a new trial, on tho ground of ' insanity. [According to tho story told by Tucker's fifteen-year-old soil, tlie father was sent to gaol for not complying with a maintenance order." Rcturiiing home, ho gained admittance house by a window, and tied his wife to the bedpost, where she remained all night, while he himself slept, also keeping-the boy in tho room. .Matheson, the wife's brother, called the next morning., and was admitted. Tucker* threatening with, a revolver, made tho boy hind Matheson's eyes and hands. Tucker then boat Matheson on the head with the butt of tho revolver till he was dead. Tucker returned to bed and slept throughout the day. Tho boy, worn out with watching, was awakened during tho night by his mother's cries, and found his' father beating.her. He continued his fiendish work till she was dead.. Tucker then shot himself, but recovered from liis injuries.] GOVERNMENT WHEAT SCHEME. Sydney, November 22. Meetings-were held in many of the wheat-growing districts .strongly condemnatory of the Government schemo. A movement is afoot to refuse delivery of wheat unless tho wheat-growers are guaranteed what is- considered .fairer values. ' '. .