AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1925, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australia A X.Z. Cable Association. 1 STATE POLITICS. SYDNEY. October 29. The Assembly read a lir-t time a bill abolishing propurtioua I representation at State elections and reintroduced t.'ac single scats system. DROUGHT EFFECTS. (Received this day at lll.tl a.m l SYDNEY. Oct. 29. Reports from many country districts show the position is very serious, owing to the continued drought and the shortage of water. In the north western areas, the conditions are especially bad. Sheep are dying and the owners are killing lambs to save the lives ol the ewes. Crass is rapidly dying and wheat crops are generally suffering, and over considerable areas what, before the drought promised to he a bumper harvest is threatened with failure unless rain falls quickly. STATE IRRIGATION LOSSES. ADELAIDE. Oct. 29. Reports of the Irrigation Commissions on the irrigation areas along the Murrav river and -Jervis reclamation scheme presented alter two years delay. shows the undertaking involved the State in losses ol approximately one million sterling. It recommends the abandonment of certain areas and says there was a complete lack of business acumen and foresight in opening up these areas. (ABLE FROM AFRICAN PREMIER MELBOURNE. October 29. Mr Bruce has received a cable from the Prime Minister of South Africa stating the Union Government was prepared to send a crew from South Africa to man the steamer Apolda now held up at Banbury, il adequate protection was guaranteed to the men. The message concluded with the

statement unless prnteetion was guaranteed to South African -hips calling at Australia his Government would lislt newspaper declare, that General have no alternative but to consider the cancellation of sailings.