AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

IUSTRAI.IAN AN./ N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

NORTHERN TERRITORY. MELBOURNE, July 18. Mr Pearce in an outline of the Government’s policy in Northern Territory, laid the Government vainly spent C 240,000 in encouraging the mining industry since 1911, whilst the pastoral industry which needed the greatest assistance received the least. Agiicultural development has been a failure. He also said that Government in the future proposed practically to concentrate on the development of the pastoral industry.

THREE MEN SMOTHERED

IN A SHIP’S HOLD. (Received this day at 11.30 n.in.) . SYDNEY, July 18. Whilst loading hulk wheat into the steamer Norfolk yesternight at Globe Island, a wooden bulkhead collaps'd releasing 30 to 40 tons of wheat on top of a number of wheat lumpers in the hatch. After feverish, difficult, rescue work, several were extricated ball smothered and three were dead. 1 boyare Ernest Laws, W. Anderson, and \\ Downev. , SYDNEY. July 18.

The men had completed the main holds of the Norfolk, when the collapse came. Twenty eight more or less were buried in the wheat. Besides the three dead, five have been sent to hospital, but not in a serious condition.

WIRELESS

MELBOURNE, July 18

Mr Hughes has received a cable confirming that the British have decided to erect a wireless station in England capable of communication direct with Australia. He expressed himself as

highly pleased with the decision as it removed all doubt regarding the efficiency of high power stations to communicate direct over such a vast distance. It meant there would lie one system throughout the Empire and the removal of the isolation from which distant parts of the Empire suffered.

TASMANIAN POLITICS. HOBART, July 17

A conference of Nationalists and Country Parties with a view to forming a Coalition and Socialist Government, proved futile. WRECKED FRANCE. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) NOUMEA, July 18. The barque France is lying on n coral reef sixty miles north of Noumea. She is considered lost. She Ts insured for six million francs. Details show the Captain saw the reefs too late and the vessel stranded with all sails set' and travelling at a good speed. The crow numbering sixty four, including a New Zealander stood by till morning when they’ took to the boats. They bad much difficulty in negotiating the coral reefs before reaching the without mishap.