AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1926, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

STEAMER’S MISHAP. SYDNEY, May 13;. A wireless was received this afternoon from the American steamer Western Moon, Sydney to New York, Stating she had lost her propeller and was drifting helplessly in the Tasman Sea 450 miles from the Coast. The Union Coy’s Tekerangu, Newcastle to New Zealand, went to her assistance, but was told her esrrices were not required, as tugs bad been despatched from Sydney to assist, WOOL SALES. SYDNEY, May 13. Fine quality wools continue in keen demand at late prices, but other sorts have a dragging tendency. BANANA DISEASE. SYDNEY, May 13. New South Wales, Queensland and Commonwealth Governments are jointly considering the recommendations of the final report of the committee which investigated bunchy top disease in bananas, with a view to further research and joint legislative action. Reports show so far as banana producing areas in New South Wales are concerned, fully ninety per cent have gone out of production and banana growing as a profitable industry, lias practically disappeared. The Committee found no protective or remedial measures were being taken, no resistant or immune banana stock being available and measures for the eradiation of tile disease in tho affected areas were the only means of effective control. The Committee recommends stringent measures controlling banana plantations, the destroying of all infected sources and supplying healthy plants. This means a levy on the industry supplemented by assistance from the Governments concerned.

REDUCING WINE LICENSES. SYDNEY, May 12. The activities of the Licensing Reduction Board resulted in the reduction of wine licenses by 02. including 32 in Sydney.