AUSTRALIAN,

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN,

[AUSTRALIAN ifc N.Z. CABLE ABBOCUTION]

N.S.W. LOAN ( Received this day at 8 a.ni.) SYDNEY, June 30. The State Drought Loan of two millions has closed, being substantially oversubscribed A LIBEL ACTION. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 30. An action has commenced in which Mr Ashford, ex-Minister of Lands claims £SOOO sterling damages from the “Land” newspaper, for alleged libel. COMMONWEALTH BANK. (Heieived this day at 10.35 a.in.) SYDNEY, June 30. The Commonwealth. Bank has increased interest from three to 3£i per cent on : balances reaching £I,OOO, three per cent on an additional £3,000. !

FEDEUA.Iv IjOAX. MELBOURNE, Jim* 30,

The Commonwealth is shortly floating a loan, probably of twenty .million. It may bear interest at six per cent. The loan funds are exhausted.. Twenty millions ha\*e been spent since January.

.CONFIDENCE IN MR'IIUGHF.S. MELBOURNE, June 30. The Ministerial party after considering cable exchanges between Messrs Hughes and Watt, expressed continued confidence in Air Hughes. I THE COAL DISPUTE. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. All the coal mines in the northern, western and southern districts of New South Wales were idle on Wednesday whilst the men discussed the owners’ reply to the Union’* demands. The min. ers decided to reject the owners offer, namely, the appointment of a tribunal by Mr Hughes, and meanwhile a minimum rate of 14s fid. The meetings requested a Royal Commission to enquire comprehensively respecting tile coal and coke industry, including freights, profits, prices, hours, conditions and wages. The proprietors complain that they are unable to accept orders for large quantities of coal owing to the intermittent ,irritating stoppages of the Union and argues that the workers averaged £3 13s a week based on time. Willis, tile miners’ secretary, speaking at Bulli said nothing short of social, isation would solve the question. N.S.W. REVENUE. SYDNEY, July 1. New South Wales revenue for the year amounted to 28.) millions against 23) millions for the previous year, an increase of five millions. Notwithstanding this, there will lie a, probable deficit of over a. million.

rains continue. (Received’This Dav at, 11.20. t.m.’ SYDNEY, July 1. Heavy general rains are . continuing in some places hiterferring with sowing. In parts of the western districts, flockowners who recently prayed for rain are praying for fine weather. The northern rivers aro rising and there is no sign of a discontinuance of rain yet. - SUGAR SHORTAGE. HOBART, July 1. Jones and Peacocks jam factories will probably close temporarily, owing, to the sugar shortage. THE PRINCE AT ALBANY. ALBANY, July 1. The Prince arrived midst great enthusiasm and departed for Perth shortly afterwards. The Renown encountered the worst weather since she was commissioned. Fierce gales were experienced practically since leaving Sydney, mountainous waves causing the Renown to roll heavily. Tremendous seas washed the upper deck, necessitating the constant use of powerful electric pumps. The Prince paid several visits to the navigating bridge where he enjoyed the spectacle.