Australian.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1917, Page 3

Australian.

Per Press Association. —Copyright

(Received Feb 23, at 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, Feb 23

Sailed—Manuka. The New Zealand woundeds, previously mentioned are aboard.

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING

Decrease In Drink Traffic.

Sydney, Feb 22

The Secretary of the New South Wales Alliance has obtained statistics from the Collector of Customs showing that during the half-year prior to six o’clock closing, duty was paid on 12,277,680 gallons of beer and 639,789 gallons of spirit, while for the halfyear nnder six o’clock closing, duty was paid on 11,671,660 ga'lona of beer and 465,056 gallons of spirits, a decrease on be3r of 606,019 gallons and on spirits of 194,732 gallons, while the decrease in customs and excise daty was £187,104. The Alliance eleims that as the duty represents about onefourth of the selling value of drink to tho community, the drink bill id six months has dropped £750,000.

A Demonstration.

Sydney, Feb 23

There are greofc preparations for a monster “ win-tha-war ” demonstra-

tion to-morrow.

An Inquest

Sydney, Feb 23

At the inqueet on the victims of the boys brigade stampede, a verdict was returned of accidental daafcb, with no one blameable. The Coroner recommended an improved exit.

Labor’s Policy.

Sydney, Feb 23

Mr Stoney has outlined the policy of New South Wales Labor Party. The chief, points are an emphatic repudiation of any connection with the 1.W.W., a declaration that the referendum vote was not enly against conscription but conscriptionist?, favored a loau policy, and development of a State bank, educational and housing reforms, the latter to be undertaken, by the State and municipalities. Full civil political lights for women, a minimum living wage for women workers, pensions for widows, reduction of takes on income from personal exertion and production, with a corresponding increase of taxes upon unearned incomes and adhesion to the industrial and arbitration system.

Federal Politics,

Melbourne, Feb 23

Mr Hughes made a glowing appeal on the necessity that Australia do her utmost to help to win the war whereto the new Ministry was fully pledged. He reminded the House of Mr Fisher’s promiss of “ the last man and last shilling.” Mr Tudor secured an adjournment of the debate. Mr Milieu made a policy statement in the Senate. The debate was adjourned. N iS W. Politics.

(Received Feb 23, at; 10.30 a m) Sydney, Feb 23 In hia policy speech Mr John Storey said the State Governor had received bis walking ticket and was shortly leaving. Speaking in Gordon electorate Mr Holman drew attention to Mr Storey’s repudiation of the I W.W. He said the next Labonr Conference wonld carry a motion for the appointment of a Royal Commission to enquire into the charges against the I.W.W. and P.L.L. and would nse its influence to remove Justice Pring from the Bench, aa he was a danger to the working class.

Federal Caucus. Melbourne, Feb 23 T. i' eaacna decided to oppose thß motic-; to prolong the life of Parliament which will probably be defeated by one vote in the Senate.

Censoring Films.

Melbourne, Feb 23

From the Ist March the importation of ctnsmatjgrap'i films is prohibited, without the consent of the Miaister of Customs. All films before they are exhibited must be approved by the Board of CeDßors.