AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1924, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. INCREASED DUTY ON TIMBER WANTED. SYDNEY, July 1. A deputation from the Country SawmiEers’ Association to-day asked the Federal Minister of Customs to induce the Government to increase the duty on all imported timber, by 5s per hundred superficial feet. The Minister said that he was not in sympathy with the request. He would try to induce the. Government to grant especial facilities for the export of Australian hardwood, as he was convinced that there was a large export market for this, timber.

BROADCASTING R E<; U LATI ()NS. SYDNEY. July 1. The ne.v regulations regarding broadcasting, which were expected to Operate to-day have been postponed owing to a delay in negotiations. PORT LYTTELTON SQUABBLE. SYDNEY, July I. A further attempt to settle the dispute regarding the steamer Port Lyttelton icahled on June S)) has failed. The representatives of the men waited on the Minister of Customs, and suggested that if the men were exonerated from all blame, they would (it out the ship and take her to sea. The .Minister refused to agree to this. The dispute therefore continues.

UPPER HOUSE DEFORM. SYDNEY, July I

The New South Wales Government ipreparing a. Bill to reform the Legislative Council, providing for a reduction in the incinlicrship from eighty al present, to sixty.

N.S.W. POLITICS. SYDNEY. July 2. In the Assembly debate on the Ad-dress-iu-Reply was adjourned. Mr Lang moved his vote of censure to-night. The report of tin* Inspector-General of Police, which was tabled in the Assembly, states that there is still a shortage of nearly one hundred in the authorised strength of the .Police Force. During the year 1235 applied for appointment, 2<)!> being success!id. The total nuniher of eases dealt with under all headings was 10-1.519, an increase of 530.

N.S.W. HOUSING BOARD

CORRUPT PRACTICES ALLEGED

(Received this day at 10.25 a.in.) SYDNEY. July 2.

The report of the Select Committee on the Administration of the Housing Board, which was tallied in the Assembly, recommends the manager, architect and chief clerk, to lie severely censured and dismissed from the service. The Committee said the evidence before it showed that the Housing Board did not take til'* necessary care in the administration of its alfairs; hut there was gross mismanagement, carelessness, incompetence and improper conduct on the part of the manager, architect and chief clerk. As a result of their incompetence a large sum ot money had liccn lost- and I urt her Ins-os have just occurred. Amongst the instainesof mismanagement the report mentioned that, the Board built houses on land over which it had no title, and in the absence of proper contracts and specifications. Coni rads were entered into with pros|H*etivo purchasers for amounts which were not sullieient to pay lor the cost of the buildings. EXPORT OF MAIZE IN FLOUR BAGS. (Received this day at 10.25 a.m.) SYDNEY. July 2. Air I’ratten pointed out to a maize deputation that the present regulations which permitted exportation only when contained in new hags were the cause of considerable embarrassment. The hags it was desired to use had been used only in to carry Hour for human consumption, and they would Ik* turned before being tilled with maize. Consequently, there was no fear that they would carry infected -eed. All New Zealand desired was a guarantee that the maize from New South Wales he free from the weevil and no! ((line Irom tick infected areas. Air Pratten stated that he would cable to New Zealand authorities today.

EXPORT PFRAIITTFD. SYDNEY. July 2. The report recommended tin* Board’s business lie closed down immediately. Mr Prattcn. Minister of Customs, assured a deputation of produce agents that subject to New Zealand’s approval, the Custom’s Department will permit the exportation to the D.oiiioioii of maize bagged in sacks which has been used lone lor Hour il the maize is intended lor Iced purposes.