AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYP-TOHT

COAL PRICES

SYDNEY, Sept. 24

In the New South*Wales Assembly the Atorncy-General (Hon Mr McTiernan), referring to the increases in drakes granted to the coal miners, said that action had been taken by the Government to see that there should be no unwarranted increases in the price of coal. If any increase were required, then application would have to be made l,y the companies to ttlie Gommondities Commission.

A DELEGATE. (Received This Day at 8.40 a.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 25. Gardin, Secretary of the Labour Council has been chosen as delegate to the International Federation of Trade Unions Congress in London on 22mi November at which the ecoomic tions of Europe will be discussed.

THE TOTE. SYDNEY, Sept, 25 The report of the Auditor Gene

dealing with the totalisator, says though the investments show considerable increase, they are not so large as they might have been, if the public had more confidence in the working of the machine. The lack of confidence was due to the inefficient staffs, and want of accommodation and facilities for public to invest.

CHURCH UNION. SYDNEY, Sept, 25

The Presbyterian General Assembly is considering a report on cliurcl) union, which shows to date that sixty per cent of the Presbyterians and eighty-four per cent of the eongrogationalists, favour union. The Methodist vote shows 29,492 in favour, and 2,742 against for members, and 4,492 in favour and 491 against, for trustees.

PROFITEERING BILL. SYDNEY, Sept. 25.

Mr Storey commenting on the profiteering bill, said the measure was based largely on legislation already in existence inEnglnnd, and to a lesser extent in New Zealand and America. Clause 65 empowering the President of the Commission to publish information derived in the course of legal inquiries was adopted from the Now Zealand Board of Trade.

FEDERAL NAVAL ESTIMATES. MELBOURNE', September 24. It is claimed the Federal naval estimates have been framed with a view to reducing the Commonwealth’s great indebtedness. Therefore it is proposed bv the end of June next to reduce the personnel of the navy from 6,628, to 4,561, but it is also intended to reserve complete ratings required to fully man the fleet. Steps are also to be taken to build up a reserve of ammunition, oil, fuel, and coal as soon as funds are available. Aerial co-operation with the fleet is considered of first importance. Provision will he made therefore. The arming of merchant vessels in time of war is also provided for. The Minister pointed out that this scheme was not regarded as being in any way adequate for the defence of the country. It meant merely cleus of a fleet on a local defence basis. The fleet would be expandable when circumstances permit. In the meantime the country must roly on the British Navy.