AUSTRALIAN. VARIOUS CABLED ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1921, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

VARIOUS CABLED ITEMS

UY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. BASIC WAGE FIGURES. SYDNEY, April 15. The report of the Basic Wage Commission deals exhaustively with the cost of living. It shows that the inclusive cost in Melbourne in 1914 was £3 7s f)d., while in 1020 it was io 16*. In Sydney in 1920 the cost was £5 17s Id in Brisbane £5 6s 2d., in Adelaide £5 IGs Id., in Perth £5 13s. lid., in Hobart £5 16s. lid. Fill e. SYDNEY, April 15. A fire in Robson House in the city, in which several firms of clothing manufactures were located, caused damage estimated at fifteen thousand pounds. A MADMAN’S DEED. PERTH, April 15. A settler named Brocklehurst, near Kalamunda, attacked his two young sons with a razor, badly gashing their tln-oats. Then lie finally cut himself with the razor. Broeklelmrst’s wife committed suicide recently

FEDERAL POLITICS. LABOUR’S CHALLENGE. MELBOURNE, April 15. In the Federal House of Representatives, Alt Hughes moved the adjournment. He declared it was impossible for a selfrespect ing Government to carry oil after last- night’s vote, unless the position was cleared up. Air Earle Page, speaking for the coutUry party, refused to give Air Hughes any assurance of immunity during his absence in England. Air Page said that no advantage would bo taken of bis absence. Air Page concluded he would vote in favour of an adjournment. Air Ryan (Labour Leader) gave notice of an amendment to Afr Hughes formal motion regarding the Imperial Conference, when tho effect that tho Australian representative he not permitted to commit the Commonwealth to any policy without the same policy being subject to ratification by the Australian Parliament and people. Thor are indications that the Government will accept the motion for adjournment as n test vote, hut in view of Air Earle Rage’s declaration, the adjournment is certain to be carried. —— —ran