AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[Australian & N„Z. Cable Association.]

VICTORIAN -MINISTRY. MELBOURNE, August 4. Tho Victorian State Cabinet have decided to continue in office. The Country Party section are promising them sufficient support to enable the Government to carry on. HOUSIN' G Pit OPOSALS. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 5. A Labour caucus on the housing committee framed a report regarding the provision of hemes lor workers. Tho main principles are the State sliaifl firstly advance to approved applicants the capital cost of new homes repayable by instalments; secondly, establish a 'Government life insurance taking a policy as security for the amount owing; thirdly, in the event of death, the widow or dependants would have a homo free of encumbrance. Tho deposit to be paid by applicant to be governed by the salary. a man taking up to £250 sterling per aiiinum to pay no deposit: from £250 to £3OO five per cent, the deposit grading upwards till a man with an income of over '£looo sha.l pay a deposit of twenty-five per cent. The probable weekly payment to cover repayment of capital and interest is not mentioned, but it is pointed out in Queensland a weekly payment lot a £SOO sterling -house is 18s 3d. The committee recommends that control of buildings ho placed beyond Goroinluent influence, but tho Government through its officers will he responsible for the faithful carrying out of the work. It recommends also a fair proportion of houses be built of. concrete.

POTATO DUTY. MELBOURNE, Aug. 5.

The Tariff • Board heard evidence in support of applications for increased duty on imported potatoes, from one to four pounds sterling per ton. The Board called for evidence against the application hut none was forthcoming. A deputation representing potato,' growers of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania waited on tho Minister of Health. Reference was made to a consignment of twenty-five tons ol potatoes from New Zealand which were recently rejected on. inspection iiv Melbourne and returned to • New Zealand as infected with the disease known as corky scab. It was stated that growers were apprehensive lest the disease should be introduced i« Australia. Mr House replied that he would enquire, into the whole question in consultation with the State authorities and make every effort to ensure this disease shall not bo introduced in Australia.