AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1923, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

1 USTKALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. OVERDUE SHIP ARRIVES. SYDNEY. Del. 10. The overdue schooner “Louis Theriault'’ arrived here to-day. alter a voylasting 29 days from Whaligupo. New Zealand. JUDGMENT RESERVED. SYDNEY. Oh. i'b .ludgnictir was reserved ill Captain Spain’s action against the New Zealand Union Steam Ship Company. FEDERAL SUGAR DEAF. SYDXKA ■ Oft. B'b '[] h , report, of (Tie Royal Commission inquiring into the Federal Gown u-ment-’s sugar purchases in Air Hughes time, states that no gift or consideration was received by any person employed by the Commonwealth m respect to sugar through Mr \V. E. Davies. The report tints completely exonerates Air Dane. TASAIANrA.N BUDGET. HOBART. Oct. B). In the Tasmanian Assemble, ’.be State Treasurer delivered the Bud-vF He slated that even alter aliening drastic re I reiivhinenls. there was o-di-mated to be a deli,-it of £253.959 at (In' end of .rune next.

The public debt of Tasmania now totals over Cl'-Mldd.hd'b which is c'|u d to £10!) per head of the population. il W'K offers rfavahd. .M Fl.Bf)S’l! NF, Oct. 10. The Coniinercia! Bank has ullered a reward of live hundred pounds tor the aoprelieusim, of Hie rob U-rs who shot ;,ir l!ei riinan. the manager who was lobbed. A MFBDFB TRIAL. SYDNEY, Oct. 10. The trial of William J’arsons, a miner, for shouting another miner, has commenced. Ihe accused pleaded not guilty. He stated he had no recollection of the shooting, as lie was very drunk. The detective who arrested the incused gave evidence that the hit lei said : "I shot him I I had to do it. He ruined my life, my wife, and my three children.’’ The accu-ed's mental and physical condition at the time "as vorv had.

FIRES. SYDNEY. Oct. 10. There is a serious lire raging in C.oraki. It I' being lanned hv a strong westerly gale. The Bis Fire B''> gadc are being rushed to the scene. BRISBANE, Oct. 10. A lire destroyed Turner’s preserving factory ill Souih Brisbane, causing lu-avv damage. IN NEW 0 FIN FA. SYDNEY. Oct. 11. The Federal parliamentary party have returned from a visit to the mandates territory of New Guinea. They generally express satisfaction at the administration and luiurc outlook of the territory, hut are impressed with the difficulties and problems sidi remaining to hi- handled. Thoie habeen much adverse criticism regarding the Government management of the plantation- hut the visitors found only half a dozen out of 259 controlled holdings unprofitable. 1 util the pacification and control of the natives has been further advanced it is doubtful if the supply of labour can be augmented and the area of cultivation substantially increased for some time, hut a few years ol controlled plantations should produce twenty thousand tons or copra annually. The natives are being well looked after medically, and otherwise the officials as a body, most of whom are returned soldiers, are now becoming experienced and endeavouring to wisely direct the destinies of the country under most difficult conditions. The advice of the visitors was that those having the welfare of the mandated territories at heart, should hesitate to offer harmful criticism and show toleration.