AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] COMPULSORY CONFERENCE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 11. Summonses have been issued calling the parties in the coal dispute to a compulsory conference on Monday next. POLISH CAUSES EXPLOSION.

SYDNEY, June 11

Fumes from polish used at new premises being constructed for the Commercial Union Assurance Company in. the city escaped through a window and came in contact with the cigarette of a. passer-by. A terrific explosion followed and the place was immediately a sheet of flames. Three workmen endeavouring to extinguish it were severely burned and taken to the hospital. Extensive damage was done before the outbreak was subdued.

MELBOURNE, June 10

Prices at the hides market were good and very firm, excepting kips which advanced Jd to ,‘d.

IS.A.W.E.A. MEETING. -MELBOURNE. June 11. The shareholders’ meeting of the 8.A.4V.R.A. confirmed the resolution of the extraordinary meeting called on 1-fth May, agreeing to the voluntary winding up of the Association.

A THIRD ARREST. PERTH, June 11

A third man, William Coulter, has been arcstcd and charged with murdering Inspector Walsh. Coulter was horn in New Zealand forty-two years ago. lie went to Boulder in 1900. He describes himself as an investor, and for some years he held a bookmaker’s license. COMM ER CIA L. MELBOURNE, June 11. Wheat market quiet, (Is 4.R1, farmers' lots 0s 2Jd. Oats: Milling, 3s 9d and 3s lOd ; feed, 3s 2d to 3s 3d. Barley: English, Is; Cape. 3s 9d to •Is.

Potatoes: CIO to £ll 10s. Onions: £l9 to £2O. S U SPENS lON BUSTAIN ED. SYDNEY) .June 11. The appeal of G Young (cx-Xow Zealand jockey) against the decision of the Rosehill Racing Club’s stipendiary stewards in suspending him for three months was discussed, and Ihe suspension sustained, by the Australian Jockey Club. STATE INSURANCE. SYDNEY, June 11. Tho .State Government has decided to establish a, State Insurance Office where every class of insurance business will l>o transacted. A bill is already drafted. It is almost identical will) the Queensland scheme. Private insurance companies regard the proposal with considerable misgiving as it v ill compete against them not only on a lower premium basis but also proposes to make bonus payments to policy holders from excess profits.