AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

I Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

GROWING PUBLIC DEBT. MELBOURNE, Feb. 7. The half-yearly Federal financial statement shows the Commonwealth Public debt to the end of December last amounted to £161,514,031 compared with £140,483,858 at tlie end of December, 1025. THE ROYAL PARTY. MELBOURNE, Feb. 7. A wireless from the Renown states the first of a series of films to illustrate Australian and New Zealand life and scenery was shown last night, the Royal Party revelling in the beauties of Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. Several other subjects supplied by the London Publicity Department of both Dominions will lie shown later. The Duke and Duchess of York were much intorested,

The Earl of Cavan lias improved so much that lie is now able to discard the crutches and walks with sticks. Ho is confident he will he completely well hv the time he reaches Now Zealand.

SHIPPING TROUBLE SETTLED. SYDNEY, Feb. 7. The dispute about the Orsova was settled. The terms are not known. The vessel sailed to-day. WE E K-END A CCI TIE NTS. SYDNEY, Feb. 7. Week-end accidents again exacted a heavy toll of life, .six being killed and seven seriously injured. Five deaths were due to motors and the other is due to a level crossing accident. INDUSTRIAL MISSION. SYDNEY, Feb. 7. The Industrial ATVsion to America leaves by the Niagara on Thursday. SERIOUS BUSH FIRES. SYDNEY, Feb. 7. Bush fires are raging in the Holbrook district. They have swept many miles of country causing extensive damage. The flames travelled at such rapidity that in many cases it was impossible to muster the stock which perished. The district is isolated, hut it is hoped the outbreak is now controlled. as heavy rain is falling. A JUDICIAL DECISION. SYDNEY. Eeb. 7. The Federal Capital Commission has issued a. new ordinance providing for the abolition of trial by jury in all civil actions coining within the Federal Capital Territory jurisdiction whore they be tried by a Judge alone. TURNING THE TABLES. BRISBANE, Feb. 7. The Master Builders decided there will he no work in the building trade until tlio forty hours a week strikers return under the conditions prevailing when the strike commenced. COAT/ MINE FLOODED. BRISBANE. Feb. 7. As a result of heavy rains the Bellfield coal mine was flooded. Efforts to drain it were unsuccessful, and the mine will probably not re-open.

SERIOUS RAILWAY DAMAGE. BRISBANE, Feb. 7. Such extensive damage was caused the Etheridge railway extending from \lniaden in the Cairns district, to ]u>rsavth, a distance of 143 miles by the recent floods, that the Minister of Railways is considering the advisability of permanently closing the line. The inhabitants of the district are in an alarming condition owing to the shortage of food, supplies of which the Railway Department is now sending by road.