AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1920, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN.

L AUSiuALIAN it N.Z. CAHI.II ASSOCIATIONj

CHURCH DEBATE. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) SYDNEY, May 7. The Aiothodist Geiierdl Conference discussed the suggestion that Solomon Islands district including Rougaville and Ftika be transferred to the New Zealand conference in 1322. Rev. Lowly declared if the Dominion was to accept the financial responsibility while the general Conference retained the larger shares of administration New Zealand would say “No thank you.’’ without control. The debate was adjourned.

RAILWAi'MEN’S DEMAND. MELBOURNE, May 7. A meeting of the Transportation Section of the Railway Union was bold today. It was decided to demand double pay during the whole time of the Prince of Wales’ visit. The demand is owing to the great strain on the men due to increased traffic.

FIJI LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SUVA, May 7. The Legislative Council of Fiji is now sittings. Trading licenses are to bo doubled, stamp duties increased, and an export tax put on copra, equal to an increase of 10s per ton. An export tax on sugar 'of 10s per ton is also proposed. An income tax Bill has been introduced fixing the minimum taxable income at £IOOO and the tax to be 5 per cent, graduated to 3s 6d in the £. Insurance companies are to be taxed 5 per cent, on premium receipts.

Shipping comanies arc to be taxed 5 per cent, on outward freights and passages.

WRECK IN THE ISLANDS. SUVA, May 7. An American schooner, believed to be the Defender lias been wrecked on a

reef between Oga and Fulage, in the Inn group. 'The Fijian crew of lo left the wreck ill a local cutter two weeks ago. They have not since been heard of. The master arrived at Lakoba Island on the 3rd of May in a cutter. He is now on his way to Suva. The Defender had a cargo of lumber for Lev ilka.

FOOD SCARCITY. SYDNEY, May 7. Owing to the heavy demand from the drought areas, forage is scarce. Prices arc exceptionally high. The prices of foodstuffs have led the poultry keepers to make a large reduction in their stocks of eggs which are now very scarce. The supplies are smaller and the prices higher than they have been for years. NZ. BOWLERS AGAIN BEATEN. SYDNEY, Alav 7. Playing at bowls, six rinks, to-day, the New Zealand team.were again beaten by Manly by 130 to 101. RIFLE MATCH. BRISBANE, May 7.

At the. Rifle Asocintion meeting, J. Cadden of the Brisbane Railway Club, won the King’s prize