AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

{.Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.! N.S.W. BUSH FIRES. SYDNEY, January 17. Big bush fires have raped between Jtinee and Temora. They have swept thirteen thousand acres of country and have destroyed many miles of fencing and a number of stud sheep. The damage is estimated at twenty thousand sterling. WOOD SALES. ' SYDNEY, Jan. IS. At the wool sales, the market was animated with prices fully equal to closing rates last week for all descriptions, and with a particularly strong demand for finer grades. Greasy merinos sold to 39d. BUSH FIRES. (Received this day at 11..0 a.m.) -SYDNEY, Jan. IS. A bush fire in Jtinee district aided l>y a high wind which rendered the efforts of the fire fighters futile, swept everything on a face of I I miles in its path, until it burned itself out. A fire at AVynlong also caused enormous damage.

BUIT.DF.RS’ STRIKE. BRISBANE. Jan. IS

Following the decision of employees in the building trade not to work more than 40 hours a week, a large number of them were absent from work on Saturday. When they presented themselves for work on Monday they were dismissed, 'flic Master Builders’ Association in an ultimatum, states none of the men dismissed will be reemployo.d until the strike for a 40 hour week is called off.

CRICKET BONUS. SYDNEY, Jan. IS. The New .South Wales Cricket Association discussed the reduced bonus for players, hut as the report of the Board of Control had not been received the matter was deferred. INDUSTB TAB DELEG ATI ON. MELBOURNE,. Jan. 13. The Federal Government announced the personal of the industrial delegation is proceeding to United States. It numbers eight, consisting of an equal number of employers’ and employees’ representatives. They will he charged with making a thorough investigation of the methods employed in and working conditions in manufacturing industries of United States and reporting thereon. WOOI. RALES. SYDNEY, Jan. IS. The wool sales re-opened with very keen competition. Best merinos advanced 5 per cent, compared with closing rates last year. Other sorts were unchanged and good clearances were effected. AUSTRALIAN POPULATION. SYDNEY, Jan. IS. It is officially estimated that Australia had a net gain of 42,200 to the population from immigration last year.