AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1925, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIAN FLOCKS. SYDNEY, .March 11. While the official estimate of the number of live stock in New South Wales on December Mist reveals small decreases in horses and cattle, compared with a year previous, the increase in sheep is set down at -1,091,092. The exceptional improvement in the number of sheep is attributed largely to the remarkably good season. In many, parts of the State it was the best season for years, with no losses from drought. Again, the splendid spring lambing and the high prices for wool induced owners to stock, while hotter attention was given to breeding and purchases were made on a large scale, with the object of substituting sheep for cattle 'by a good percentage ol the stockowners. Incidentally. the drought of 1929 was responsible for the depletion of the number of sheep in the State by over 2,500,000 as compared with the previous year. NN itli the continuation of favourable pastoral condition.':. the number of sheen will, it is believed, be still further greatly increased. The latest return of sheep gives the Inigo total of 37.357.895 for the State.

FATAL AKUOPLNXK CRASH. AfELROURNE. March 25

Flying Officer Sic wart, Mailer was engaged in instructing Cadet ( fliccr Charlsw orth ill a big Avro at Point Conk Flying School at a height. ':!' one hundred and fifty feet, when .me machine crashed. .Mailer was killed instantly, while Clmrlsw orth was taken to tiie hospital slightly injured. Charlesworih was in charge of the machine at. the time. hut. can advance no reason for the accident.

WAGE INCREASE REFUSED. SYDNEY, March 25

The Arl>iration Court refused the application of flic North Shore bridge crane drivers for an increase in wages, which had been agreed to by the employers, ami which, under the contract terms, the Government would he liable to pay. Mr Justice Rolin, in delivering judgment said that the employers in supporting the application had used a unique argument, hy stating that they had tendered at a price for the contract based on the lowest possible wage rates. Mr .Justice Rolin added that having secured the contract, they now approached the Court and asked for an award at higher rates, thus enabling the company to charge the Government with these higher rates, and so, in effect, raise the contract price.

A CORRECTION. LONDON, March 21. Captain Cook's letter hook is destined for the Commonwealth National Library. 15R0.N DCASTING F.XPKKIMEXT. SYDNEY'. March 25. The success of an experiment broadcasting the proceedings in Parliament was rather marred by interruptions and disorder, which Mere heard just a .learlv as speeches. The Speaker’s voice calling members to order was heard with monotonous regularity.