AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

[AUSTRALIAN A. N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

j MEAGHER AND THE BAR. SYDNEY, Oct. 1. Regarding Mr 11. 1). Meagher’s long struggle to be reinstated as a solicitor, which the New South Wales Law Society has opposed for years, a new development has occurred. To-day in the State Assembly, Mr Bennett gave notice of a motion to reinstate Mr Meagher on the roll of solicitors.

EXCHANGE DIFFICULTY. SYDNEY, Oct. 1

The difficulty over the Customs duty, due to the Government using exchange differences to its own advantage in collecting duty, is once more prominently brought forward. It transpires that some thousands of pounds’ worth of French, Italian, and Belgian goods, chiefly laces, silks, and other similar productions, are being now shipped back to Europe. This is owing to the authorities persisting in assessing the duties on the pre-war exchange value. The importers declare the goods have to be sold at a heavy loss if landed on this bnsis.

COAL AWARD. (SYDNEY, October 1

Mr Hibblo, chairman of the Coal Tribunal, states that an interim award is being made that gives engine-driv-ers a rise. There is a 3/- increase per shift to all drivers and firemen throughout the Commonwealth. 'Hie minimum rates for boys and youths are increased by 20 per cent. N.S.W. BASIC WAG®. SYDNEY, October 1. It is now officially denied that the (basic wage is being increased by 10/a week. Judge Booby is, however, inquiring into the question. He states that no increase yet has been decided on. BROKEN HILL MINERS. SYDNEY, October 1. The New South Wales Miners Fedei-a-tion has instructed the Broken Hill miners not to return to work. The men have now been on strike for 17 months and will continue their struggle.

LEAGUE V- RUGBY. 'SYDNEY,, October 1. The Rugby .League has acquired the use of Sydney Sports Ground, which previously has been held by the Rugby Tin ion. As the Rugby League already holds the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Rugby. Union are finding difficulty in getting a suitable ground for their forthcoming big fixtures.

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS. (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) ISYDNEY, This Day. Mr Hibble has issued a further awrd for mining employees not including previously, increasing the rates 3s daily for all adults. -- A 'State loan of three millions will bear interest at 51 per cent, pnyable in four instalments, the first being due on Ist December. MELBOURNE, This Day. The new postal and telegraph rates are gazetted and operate to-day. The Senate agreed to tho Canberra (budget item cabled on 13th June.

RECORD FOR GREASY WOOL. ADEL' t This' Day.

Tlie first wool sales since 1914 was practically lifeless although a ecord was established, one lot <' c greasy ol selling at 39Jd per pound, the highest price paid at auction in Australia. Twenty thousand bales were offered and only little more than n nnnvter sold.