AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

[AUSTRALIAN ifc N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION

A VACANCY. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 10. Mr Briner was a Progressive. His death increases the Government majority to three. The public is keenly awaiting the Government’s proposals for filling the vacancies.

EMPIRE DEFENCE. MELBOURNE, Sept. 10. In the House of Reps, Mr Hughes stated a scheme of imperial defence was being formulated as a result of deliberations between representatives of j Britain and Overseas dominions, and I until an agrement was reached the pro- | posals of the Ministry must be regarded as tentative. He hoped at the [ coming Imperial Conference on defence that a scheme would be completed for co-opration among all dominions nnd a real imperial defence policy formulated, for the first time. He strongly urged the responsibility on the dominions of “taking their share in Empire defence. As part of the Ejnpire, they must bear a share of its protection. The centre of gravity had now shifted to the Pacific Islands, which had been distributed amongst the Powers. Consideration of safety required Australia to take cognisance of her geographical position under these new conditions.

FEDERAL DEFENCE. MELBOURNE, Sept. 10. Mr Hughes in outlining the defence policy in the House of Representatives, said a White Australia, which was of vita Importance to the nation, might be a source of complication. Government was placing half a million on the estimates for military aviation, and one hundred thousand for civil aviation. Na val and military expenditure will he considerably reduced, and preference will be given to a lighter type of vessel. An amendment of the defence act is contemplated in the direction of altering the basis of compulsory training. The expenditure for 1920-21 will bo: Naval £3,979,000; military £3,250,000; aviation £6OO,(XX), a total of £7,809,000 aginst a total of £,645,000 in 191314.

A THREAT. SYDNEY, Sept. 10. The Federal. Government has notified employees of Garden Island and Cockatoo Docks that they will close the. yards if they cease work on Saturdays.

AMATEUR STATUS. SYDNEY, Sept. 10. The sub-committees report on the amateur definition of the published recommendation, is that an amateur is one who competes only for love of sport. The report will be discussed on the 16th . A PROTEST. SYDNEY, Sept. 10. The Judge President of Necessary Commodities Commission replying to the Premier’s criticism about the butter increase said the threats to remove the Commission had placed them in an invidious position, as future decisions if favourable to the Government will he interpreted as yielding to the Government, ■ , HIGH JUMP RECORD. SYDNEY, Sept. 10.« Miss Emily Roach of Nnrrnntera, at Albm*y Show, rode Weir’s Musician over a high jump, seven feet and half an inch, breaking the Australian u‘cord, by H inches. A CHINESE MOVE. SYDNEY, This Day. The President of Sydnoy Chinese Chamber of Commerce is proceeding China to report upon a scheme of the Chinese Government for repatriating Chinese now living in various countres. The scheme provides for the settlement of those repatriated upon lands specally set aside in the province of Chekiang. The object is to promote local industries, by utilising western knowledge gained by Chipesp who have lived abroad.