AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1927, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] RAILWAY LOSSES. BRISBANE, March 11. .Mainly as the result of drought, floods and the recent cyclone it is estimated the deficit on the working of Queensland Railway Department during the current financial year will be, at least two millions sterling. FEDERAL POLITICS. MELBOURNE, March 11. Speaking at tlie anniversary meeting of the Australian Women’s League on the proposal to withdraw the States’ per capita grant, Mr Brueo expressed bis willingness to retire if a change of leaders was thought desirable, but be asked if it were considered necessary not to wreck the Nationalist Party in the process. He said whatever the differences between Commonwealth and States, there was no desire to do the States any injustice. Ho expressed the opinion that the feeling between States and Commonwealth would soon be overcome and both be working in a" spirit of cordiality and understanding, which would endure for the benefit of the people of Australia.

SCRATCHED. SYDNEY. March 11. Owing to a leg injury received at Melbourne Rampion has been scratched for all engagements at the Australian Jockey Club’s autumn meeting at Rand wick. BASIC WAGE RISE. SYDNEY, March 8. In the N.S.W. Assembly ns an urgency measure, the Government carried through all stages a hill instructing the Industrial Commissioner, Mr Piddington, K. 0., to declare a living wage based on a standard sufficient to maintain a man, wife -and two children under the age of fourteen.