AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1920, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN.

[PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION. — OOPVEIOHT.j UMBER PURCHASE. MELBOURNE, September 22. •Mr Blakely, discussing the Qpeepsland timber purchase, said the Queensland Government four years ago offered the same property "fop £95,000 less. Since then 30,000,000 feet of timber has beep taken off. Air Rj'UU did not remember an offer being mado while he w.as premier of Queensland, but he advocated a Commission to inquire into the deal.

'drastic legislation. ADELAIDE, September 22. Mr Harwell, Premier, ' informed a deputation that lie was introducing drastic legislation to obliterate the clandestiin©' bookmakijpg, which still existed despite the law, absolutely, prohibiting bookmakers in tlie State. The new legislation would providle for a heavy penalty for the first offence, and imprisonment for a subsequent offence. INCOME - TAX. SYDNEY, September 22. The Assembly passed a resolution on the motion of Mr Wear lie (Leader of the Progressives), that the Income lax Act be amended to tax farmers on their average earnings for five years to allow for their losses. SWIMMING. SYDNEY, September 22. Kelly, secretary of the Swimming Union, in Australia, has received word that Kahauamoku is coming to Ausitalia with # Realoha in December. Kernot has not yet replied. COAL TRIBUNAL’S AWARD. SYDNEY, Sept. 22. The Coal Tribunal has issued its award which grants an all-round increase to adult?’ wages of 171 P° r cent,; boys’ and youths 20 per cent. It fixes the maximum day wage at 16s 6d.

ENGINEER’S DEMANDS. SYDNEY- Sept. 22

The Amalgamated Society of Engineers has served demands on all employers in the Commonwealth for a to’D'" hour week and increased wages. Hm Society is taking a ballot amongst its members on the question of taking dnect action instead of depending on the Arbitration Court. INCREASE IN PRICES. SYDNEY, Sept. 22. The Board of Trade has taken evidence which discloses that clothing apt. footwear prices have this year advanced no less than 25 per cent as compared with last year. CYCLONE IN VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, Sept. 22. A cyclonic storm occurred at Chiltem on the main telegraphic line between Sydney and Melbourne. The storni has dislocated inter-state communication. . ~ The storm was of such force that it blew Vhouse over, while others were unroofed.

TAXING OF FARMERS. ’ SYDNEY, Sept. 22.

In the New South Wales Assembly to-day a resolution was moved by Mr Wearno' (Leader of the “Progressives ) that the income Tax Act be amended so as to tax farmers on their average earnings over five years, and thus allow for losses. The resolution was carried.