AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2638, 8 December 1915, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

NEW TAXATION ' TOLL ON BETTING TICKETS AND ; BOOKMAKERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Couyiitbt Sydney, December 7. Tho Government's new t&xation proposals are to be introduced this week, l'hey include taxes on betiing tickets end bookmakers. The latter will bo called on to pay for tie Randwick course paddook a fee of £50, for wagering in the St. Leaer enclosure £20, and for the flat £5. The fees payable at suburban, country, and pony courses will be £20, and for the St. Loger enclosure £10. In addition to this, the Goyernrfient croposes to take 25. per cent, of the fees paid by bookmakers to the race clubs. Each bettin? ticket shajPbear.a penny Government stamp. It is expected that this new taxation will realise half a million per annum. 118,990 MEN HAVE CONI: TO THE FRONT. AND 55)361 IN TRAINING. Melbourne, December 7. The- Federal Defence Department announces that up to the end of November 118,090 men had gono on active service, and that 55,361 are in training. . , WEEK-END LEAVE FOR SOLDIERS. Sydney, December 7. It is reported that the experiment of granting soldiers week-end leave has been most successful. All the men returned to duty punctually, and there was a 1 minimum of drunkenness. EARLY CLOSING OF HOTEL BARS.' STATE' , - . Perth, December 7. j Mr. Scaddan, the Premier, announces that the Bill limiting hotel hours from ' 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. operates from January 10. j Hobart, December 7. _ In the Legislative Assembly, a. Bill was passed, authorising a referendum on the question of what hour between 6 and 10 o'clock shall be adopted for tho early- closing of hotels. • The referendum 1 will be taken at the elections in February next. ' ITEMS' IN BRIEF. SUGAR CRfYP PROSPECTS BRIGHTER. ' Brisbane, December 7. . The prospects of the sugar crop bavo Improved owing to the recent rains. LOAN RUMOUR. DENIED. (Rec. December 7, 9.15 p.m.) , Sydney, December 7. Mr. W.' A. Holman (New. South Wales Premier) denies the rumours of the Government's intention to float a local loan.'