AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

fAT7STRA!-«AN & ,V.Z. i’.'fcl.E association! 'PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS. SYDNEY, Feb. 27. The Arbitration Court decided that preference to Unionists is no longer legal, as returned soldiers and sailors are entitled to first preference. COMMERCIAL. (Received this day at 10.20 a.rn. MELBOURNE, This Day. Hides market is very brisk, medium and good conditions have advanced a penny to Rd; kips improved a halfpenny. Barley, English, is to is 4d; Capo Os to 6s 4d. Oats, Algerians, milling 5s 8d to os 9d; feed 5s 4d to 5s od. Potatoes £8 to £8 10s. Onions £9 3s to £l3 10s. NORTHERN TERRITORY COMMISSION. (Received this day at. 10.15 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Before .the Northern Territory Commission, E. P. Reiglev gave evidence that Dr Gilruth did not say lie made any offer to Government for- the sale of the Territory to a syndicate. Randolph Bedford’s account of the interview seemed very incorrect and exaggerated. PROCLAMATION REVOKED. MELBOURNE, This Day.

A proclamation revokes the embargo placed on the funds of the Marine Engineers. COMMONWEALTH REVENUE. MELBOURNE, This Day. The Federal Commonwealth revenue returns for the half year show an increase of £4,061,712, compared with the similar period of the previous year ROSS-SMITH’S PRIZE. I MELBOURNE, This Day. Sir Ross-Smith is dividing the prize

of £IO,OOO, given by the Federal Government, equally with his crew. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. (Received This Day at 12-25 p.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The Governor-General, in a speech at the opening of the Federal Parliament, forecasted a reduction pu the fineness of silver in the coinage, issue of notes cf smaller denomination, and the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the whole incidence, of Commonwealth taxation, and the other legislation forecasted includes Bills to revise the tariff, •defence system, and the encouragement of immigration. Further measures will authorise the summoning of a convention, representing the people and Parliaments of the Commonwealth States, | for revision of the constitution. Tu? I Arbitration Act will also ho amended, I and the principle of basic wants given | effect to. iii I Mr W. E. Johnson was elected * Speaker. . | The Governor-General’s speech mentioned that the mandates for the Com- , monwealth to administer German territories captured in the Pacific were

delayed owing to the postponement of the ratification of the Peace Treaty with ! Germany, but an early issue is expected, when the necessary legislation will be introduced. . Gratification was expressed at tiie Prince of Wales’ visit, and a joyous loyal • welcome was assured.