AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2810, 30 June 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

, SUSPICIOUS FIRES. Bj Telegraph-Press Associatioii-Copyrleht Sydney, June 29. In connection frith the suspicious circumstances surrounding recent outbreaks of fire in tho city, the police believo that incendiariste employing a. peculiarly inflammable chemical are at work. / TRADE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE WAS, Melbourne, June 29. Trade statistics show that (luring the first year, of war tho value of imports to the Commonwealth decreased by .£15,317,'816, and exports by .£17,979,193. * REDUCTION IN HOTEL LICENSE . FEES AND RENTALS. . " ■ Sydney, Juno 29. The Government intends to legislate to reduce hotel license fees and rentals. FOR CONSCRIPTION. - Sydney, June 29. A largelyattended meeting of the Universal Service League unanimously adopted a motion in favour -at oonsoription. THE HOME NEWS FOR SOLDIERS ' . SCHEME. Melbourne, Juno 29. The Federal Government proposes to remit a daily budget of home news to the Australian troops in Egypt, France, and England. 'A UNIFORM PRODUCE CONTRACT. Sydney, Juno 29. The Associated Chambers of Commerce are convening-" an early conference to for. nmlate a uniform produce oontracfc throughout the Commonwealth. PREFERENCE FOR FIJIAN MAIZE REFUSED. Melbourne, June 29. The Federal authorities have refused the Fijian Government's 'request to give Fijian maize preference in the Commonwealth. - : "-• MINISTERIAL. LIBEL ACTIONS. (Rec. June 29, 9.i0 p.m.) ■ • Sydney; June 29. Writs have been issued on behalf of ten Ministers'. of. the State Ministry against the publishers of the newspaper "Mirror," each claiming damages in respect of alleged libel.. •.■'.".' William Sundin.has also issued a similar writ claiming ,£5900. ~( SHEARERS' DEMANDS, v (Rec. June 29, 11:55 p.m.) Sydney, June 29. in connection with tlie shearers' demand for increased rates, tbe council of tho Pastoralists' Union has decided 'strictly to adhere bo the award rates, under which tho bulk of the agreements of the New South Wales unions.are already signed. It is stated that only a small section is dcriianding concessions above the award, and that iji "opposition to tho policy of the Australian Workers' Unions..