AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1923, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULE ASSOCIATION. PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE. MELBOURNE, May 22. The Premiers’ - Conference opt’ned and discussed the question of the income tax. Though a final decision was not reached, it is understood it was agreed that providing the Federal Government agrees to withdraw entireI ly from the sphere of income tax, the States have practically decided to forego the per capita payments by the Commonwealth to the States.

A MURDER TRIAL. .MELBOURNE. May 21. The trial of David Kelly, who is charged with the murder of Til is Overall in June. J 922. has started. Evidence on the lines of that given in the lower Court is being heard. ANOTHER BIG FIRE. PERTH, May 21. A fire in Padburv’s departmental stores at Guilford destroyed the drapery department. The damage is estimated at several thousands of pounds. HEAVY* SEAB ENCOUNTERED. 'SYDNEY, May 22.

The Ulimaroa arrived at 5.30 p.m. from Auckland. The Marnmn on her run from Wellington encountered heavy setts and was delayed six hours. The seas were so high that some windows of the upper (leek cabins were broken. Among those aboard were the sculler. Had field, and the New Zealand Association Football team, who suffered no ill-elfects from the rough weather. HIGH COURT VERDICT. MELBOURNE, M ’.v 22. The High Court gave a verdict for the owners of the Muscoofa in their claim against tin- owners ol the \arra over tlie collision in January. Ihe Court hckl that those in charge of the navigation of the steamer Y. ari a were responsible for the collision. I lie question of damages was referred lo the Registrar.

AMA LG A MATION Q CKSTION. MELBOURNE. May 22. Naval circles here consider the suggested Ati/.ac Navy quite feasible Irani a practical point of view, should the Governments eontenu'tl approve, hut the definite amalgamation ol the Australian and New Zealand units is beyond tlie jurisdiction ol naval experts, except in an advisory capacity. It is pointed out that Australia s position as regards a sell-maintained fleet imuch ahead of New Zealand, and the question of levelling their position .•in importani consideration. 11! iSI I ENVOYS. .MELBOURNE, .May 22. Justice Powers, iu chambers in the High Court, made an order nisi in l!:e case of Hie Irish Republican Envoys, returnable before the Full High Court silting at ?de!honrne on Monday next. Counsel for I lie Envoys applied for an order restraining the Board of Inquiry from sitting on Wednesday in the meantime. Justice Powers stated lie presumed the Board would not sit niter the order ni.-i Mas grained.

A DOUCE .REPORT. SYDNEY. May 22. The police ill Nou castle (lolly tli> reported riotous scenes at Whitburn mine, Greta. They state Ihe only disturbance that occurred was caused hy a few ho vs.