AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1924, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

tUSTRALIAX AND N.Z. CAllt.E ASSOCIATION. THE EARTHQUAKE. .MISTAKE AS TO LOCATION. SYDNEY, June 27 The liiverview Observatory explains that a mistake was made in centring yesterday's earthquake at Port Aloroschiiie. The real position was south of MacQuarrie Island, 171!) miles from Sydney. The disturbance was very violent and continued for over half an hour, one instrument vibrating so much that it kept hitting against, the stops. BRUCE’S NEW PROPOSAL. .MELBOURNE. June 27. 11l the House of Representatives. Air Bruce, in introducing a hill to appropriate i32.0(K1.1KK) for naval construction, reminded the House that Britain's naval power was so weakened under the Washington Treaty that Australia's position was very perilous. The country’s position was defenceless Imt for the British navy. The debate was adjourned till next week mi the motion of Air Charlton. Afr Bruce’s speech was punctuated by La hour interruptions, the Speaker having to intervene to secure him a hearing.

SCENES IN FEDERAL PARI.IAAIKXT.

AIF.I.BOURNE, dime

A unique scene occurred at tiie silting of tlio House of Representatives when Air Yates, advocating adopting an Australian National Anthem, declared that the Attstr:dia.us in the war had contented themselves with singing ragtime tune, lie add'd that il the Chairman gave him permission. he would demonstrate to them the merits of a fine anthem, namely: “The Song of Australia." Urged 0:1 hv the Opposition. Air Yates sang the first ' or-a of the song, his Labour colleagues j lining in tlie chorus. Later, when the Speaker took the chair. Mr Bruce protested against the scene.

N.S.W. LABOUR PARTY. SYDNEY. June 27

At the Labour Party pre-session a I meeting a strong attempt to depose Air Lang from the Leadership was only narrowly defeated. Mr Lang heinir n»-elpot iml l»y ;i m.ijnrity oik* vole.

VICTORIAN ELECTION. .MELBOURNE. June 27 The latest election returns indicate the result is as follows: -- Labour -9 Liberals -•* Country Party 1I iitlcpclldeiit Labour I The .Ministry have now made it cleatthev will not resign before Parliament meets. Then Labour will launch a censure motion as a trial ol strength. So far all the prominent candidates are ret timed.