AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2702, 23 February 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

, . ; EARLY CLOSING OF HOTEL . BARS LABOUR OPPOSITION. By Telegra.pl—Press Association—Oopyriglit Sydney, February 22. / The industrial coalition of the Liquor Trade proposes to opnose early' closing. -" ' The Rev. Mr. Bathgate, preaching at the Lithgow Methodist Church in favour of early closing, chose the text: ''■Howl, ye drinkers of wine, for it is cut off from your mouths." Senator Pearce Federal Defence Minister, explains that the early closing proclamation is only temporary, and will bo withdrawn immediately normal conditions prevail. SLUMP IN POLICE COURT v CHARGES. (Rec- February 22, 11.35 p.m.) Sydney, February 22. At the Central Police Court there were twelve drunk charges <n Monday morning, about a quarter of the usual average prior to the early closing order. The other Courts ecorded a similar drop. The City Council has " decided to erect more drinking fountains in the streets. The weather conditions generally are very sultry. - CABINET . CONSIDERS THE QUESTION. (Rec. February 23, 1.10 a.m.) Sydney, February 22. After further Cabinet consideration of the early closing question, Mr. Holman (the State Premier) -stated that a decision has been.reached that the question Be referred to the Caucus. Other sources state that it is possible that a Bill will be submitted to Parliament, with the Caucus appro- ■ vai, for the submission of the whole question to a referendum. AUSTRALIA'S WAR LOSSES. NEARLY 40,000 TO DATE. Sydney, February 22. The total Australian casualties are:— Dead 6,687 Wounded 12,071 Missing 1,839 Sick 18,938 prisoners 60 ' , Nature of casualty un- \ known 304 Total 39,899 Mr. Catfcs, speaking at a recruiting meeting at Leichhardt, quoted figures showing that only one-half of the number required has enlisted during the past two and a half months. HTAKINC "BLACK" WHITE. ECHO OF THE BARRIER STRIKE. Sydney, February 22. The Australian Miners' Association has rescinded the motion declaring Port Pirie to. be "black." The waterside workers at Port Adelaide have contributed £200 to the ■ strike fund. ITEMS IN BRIEF. CYCLIST'S TERRIBLE ORDEAL. Sydney, February 22. Oscar lioyle, while cycling in the Botirke district, in a temperature of 110 degrees, was sunstruck, and almost perilled from thirst. In desperation he oncne'd a vein in his ann and drank the Rood. He was discovered two days later, and sent to hospital, where he is slowly recovering. WHEAT STANDARD FIXED. Sydney, February 22. For a lair average quality wheat tlio standard has been fixed at 611b. the im-BL-ial bushel.