AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1919, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN.

[AUSTRALIAN <&, N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] BENDIGO CONFERENCE. SYDNEY, Sept. 11. • The National Conference at Bendigo agreed to extend the franchise to all returned soldiers aged twenty, and also agreed to a motion for the formulation of a scheme to bring about the amalgamation of all anti-Labour organisations. The conference is discussing a proposal that all mothers whose husbands arc not receiving a living wage artd hare more than two children under the ago of fourteen should receive five shillings weekly for each child after the second one.

AUSTRALIA’S INDEMNITY. MELBOURNE, Sept. 11. In the Representatives, speaking on the Bill to ratify peace, Mr Hughes said at the Peace Conference, our claim was for 354 millions, of which three hundred millions was actual war debt itnd fifty four millions capitalised value Of pensions, repatriation, and loss on Civilian property. At one stroke three hundred millions of oxir claim was struck out. Probably we may get between now and the end of April 1921, anything from five to eight millions. He was unable to say how much Australia might receive afterwards. Mr Hughes concluded: —“This peace is very unjust to Australia who is burdened with the Bill of a war which we had not provoked, but which it was necessary' we Should enter or perish.”

FEDERAL ELECTIONS. MELBOURNE, Sept. 11. Mr Tudor announced he had information that the Federal elections would bo held on December 6th.

TIMBER STORES BURNT. MELBOURNE, Sept. 10. John Robertson’s big timber stores liete were destroyed by fire. The damage is £IO,OOO. QUEENSLAND CABINET BRISBANE, Sept. it). In connection with the Cabinet changes just made, the following have been sworn in as new Ministers:—Public Instruction, Hon. Mr Chutham; Home Department, Hon. Mr McCormack; Agriculture, Hon. Mr Millies; Justice, lion. Mr Larcombe. DOUBLE DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. ■SYDNEY, Sept. 9. Mrs Cox, wife of a retired railway fettler, was found in her home at Auburn with her head battered with a hammer. Subsequently she succumbed at the Hospital. Her husband was found in another room with his throat cut. The police report that the couple were constantly quarrelling.