AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1926, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] REVENUE WRANGLE. MELBOURNE, June 23.

The conference of State Premiers to-day carried it resolution to the effect that the States do not assent to any financial schemes proposed by the Federal Government tb.it does iot provide for their receiving a fixed annual payment of not loss than 25s per head of population, and that there should bo no departure from the basis upon which tho"financial relations .of the Commonwealth and States have till now rested, without the lullest consideration, at a constitutional session, and the approval of the people at referendum. FEDERAL REFERENDUM. MELBOURNE, June 24. The Federal Executive of- the Australian Labour Party decided to make the Referendum ’a non-party question, and to allow members of the party a free hand on the issue. This decision will avert a party split. FERRY COLLISION IN FOG. SYDNEY, June 23. The harbour and railway traffic were to-day again disorganised by the heaviest fog so far experienced. Two ferry steamers collided in the harbour and one was seriously damaged. There were no casualties. SYDNEY WOOL MARKET. SYDNEY, June 23. The wool selling season concluded t«-day and competition for all wellgrown wools was maintained, and the series sale closed with some improvement on the new clip lines showing attractiveness and depth. Staple, faulty and dusty sorts were irregular. New lines of line cross-bred realised full late rates. Super scoured sorts had fairly good competition at unchanged prices. FIRE AT GEELONG. MELBOURNE, June 21. Fire destroyed the Mechanics’ Institute, Geelong. The damage is estimated at £26,000. The outbreak is the third in three months and is believed to ho the work of a maniac.