AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1918, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Iren ritKss association. — copyniGHT.J A NATIONAL DIFFERENCE. SYDNEY, October 22. There is reported to have been a stormy meeting of the National Party when they learned of the final result of the ballot on tlie question of preferential voting versus proportional i»prcscjitatioii. It- was reported to tin caucus that the result was a tie, 25 votes being east- each way. It was decided to remit- the question to the Cabinet, which could later, submit it to tb c Party. A proposition for a- fresh ballot was defeated.

PAPER AfAKIXC IN N.S.W. SYDNEY, October 22. |At (the annual conference of the N.S.W. Country Press Association, the Secretary stated the Government was experimenting in the production of newspaper from Australian timbers If this proved satisfactory, it- was proposed to subsidise the project with « million pounds and to establish mills to produce thirty thousand tons of wood fibre annually.

UTILITY DREDGES. SYDNEY, October 22. Owing to lack of work in Sydney and Newcastle harbours, several dredges have been converted into cargo steamers. One nearing completion will be employed in the Sydney-New Zealand trade.

A FEAR OF DROUGHT. SYDNEY, October 22. The absence of rain at coastal producing centres is causing anxiety to grain andpVoduce merchants. Farmers fear the coming harvest will he a failure .