AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FEDERAL ELECTIONS. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Aug 16. In view of the continuous obstructive tactics by the Federal Ministry’s opponents, it is stated it can be taken for granted that the general election:, v, iTI be hold before the end of the year. It is understood Mr Hughes informed his supporters that these tactics cannot lie tolerated anj longer, and unless the Ministry has a prospect of carrying through the programme early, their resignation may bo expected. Other attacks on the Ministry are known to lie pending.

MUSICAL. SYDNEY, Aug 16. Mr Bruntnell has advised Herr Verbruggen that if he returns it will be as director of the conservatorium. Government would make no offer respecting the orchestra.

LIPI‘E WILL CASE. MELBOURNE, Aug 16. The Chief Justice giving judgment in the Lippe will case disallowed the claims of the husband, who is a mountain guide in New Zealand. Threefourlhs of the estate goes to Mrs T.ippe’s housekeeper.

QUEENSIaAX I) POLITICS. BRISBANE. Aug 16. In the Assembly the censure motion was defeated by 36 to 35. Mr Theodore charged the opposition with endeavouring to induce him to leave labour and load a new party. The Opposition was also trying to achieve sue c-ess bv bribing members. Mr Barnes denied that the National Party were in any wav mixed up m the matter.

ALLEGED BRIBER)’BRISBANE. Aug. 16. Two journalists, John' Sleeman and Edward Connolly, were charged with attempting to bribe F- Brennan to vote against his party on the censure motion and were remanded until Monday on bail of their own bond of un and surety of £SOO.

AUSTRALIAN TRADE. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) In consequence of the closing down of Broken Hill works, at Newcastle, n cargo of five thousand iron and steel bars is being imported from England for wire making. The reconstituted Commonwealth Board of Trade lias commenced its sittings. The new Board comprises the bureau of commerce and industry, members embracing leading commercial men, whose services are given voluntary on industrial problems from time to time.

SUGAR ENQUIRY. 'Received this day at 10.15 a.in.i MELBOURNE. August 14. A joint committee of public accounts opened an inquiry into the sugar transactions of Commonwealth Government. A witness stated since the appointment of the Commonwealth Sugar Board the whole was purchased, local and foreign made bv the Colonial Company; that no record was kept of the transactions of the Government, which were dependent fo,- information on the figures supplied by the Company.

NAURU MANDATE. SYDNEY, August 16. The “Herald” in a leader headed “Nauru Trusteeship” says the criticism of the Mandates Commissions Administration of island is rather unlmr and unjustified. After reviewing the position, 'the Herald adds-The truth is we suspect certain trading interests and former suppliers of the Commonwealth perhaps, or may he competitors in other rtgions, who would like to share in the wealth or Nauru, are trying to exert their influence upon the Mandates Commission so as to create an agitation against Australia and Australian rights. Our trust and proper defence against criticisms of the Commission are that the responsible mandatory power is

either an Imperial Council of Prime Ministers or his Majesty’s Government, that our administration measures have been unimpeachable and any national benefit as a fair reward for our war effort.

A SENSIBLE ATTITUDE. SYDNEY. Aug 16. The Eire Brigade employees rejected unanimonsl v amotion urging go-slow when extinguishing fires if the Commissioners carried out their threat to red uro wnges by 7s.