AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1927, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.J TALKING PICTURES. SYDNEY. March 11. "Talking” pictures are the latest in Sydney. In addition to the production oi' the ordinary films, a special apparatus. it is claimed, has been brought out that will make possible tbe ere a- g 4 tiou of "talking” pictures in Australia for the first lime. Apart from the regular form of amusement, it looks as though the politicians will now be able to address their audiences and he seen on the screen without being near the place. This in some cases, may not be without its advantages from the politician’s point of view. Perfect synchronisation is said to he assured by the picture and the speech being recorded at the same time by this new patent. POPULATI ON FORECAST. The population of New South Wales at the 1921 census was 2.100,200, showing a mean yearly increase during the preceding thirty years of 2 per cent. Assuming that this rate of increase continues, it is estimated that the population of the State in 1981 will he just on 7.000,000. and that the population of tht metropolis in that year will he about 4.270.000. This is an official estimate. Everywhere one turns to-day there is evidence of the reconstruction to meet- the needs of the future. Costly buildings that would grace any city are being ruthlessly torn down in all directions to make way for more imposing structures. This despite the big increase in building costs, which, taking a general average, have increased in the city from £9BOI in 1925 to close on £16,000 last year.

NO COMPROMISE. SYDNEY. March 19. The Family Endowment Conference was adjourned till Monday without .reaching finality. It was reported that the present prospect of reaching an acceptable compromise is not hopeful. N.S.'AY. NEC OTIAT JONS. SYDNEY. March 17. Mr Lang expects that finality will be reached in connection with the basic wage question 1)V Parliament on Tuesday. to which date the Houses adjourned. SYDNEY. March 18. The conference of tlie two N.S.AA’. Houses resumed the discussion on the basic wage and Family Endowment problems. Three schemes in opposition to the Government’s proposals are under consideration: (1) that the basic wage remain unchanged until June, when a Industrial Commission will he asked to fix a new basic on the understanding that it will he supplemented by a child endowment: (2) that the Commissioner fix a basic wage tor a. man and his wife, with an endowment for the children of those whose salaries do not exceed a certain amount (3) the endowment of children whose parents are in nevessitious circumstances.

The Accountant for Morts dock, giving evidence Before the Legislative Council Committee declared there would he no alternative hut for the dock to close if the Family Endowment scheme became law. The Company were now making five per cent, profit, hut with the Bill operating it would be reduced to one per cent. A stoppage would mean the idling of over 1500 men.

BUILDERS STRIKE OVER. BRISBANE. March 17. After being on strike for nearly three months, for a forty-four hour week .a mass meeting of the building trades employees to-day decided by an overwhelming majority to return _to work on pre-strike terms. A motion that an appeal lie made throughout Australia for funds to continue the struggle was heavily defeated. RE-TRIAL VERDICT. SYDNEY, March 19. The retrial of the ease of Eden George versus “Truth ” newspaper, by order of the Full Court resulted in a verdict in favour of George for £IOO. THE CRUISER “SYDNEY.” MELBOURNE, March 18. Mr Bruce said in the House of Representatives that the Ministry had decided to retain the cruiser ’Sydney” owing to her fight with the “Emden.” He could not announce to what use the vessel could bp nut to in the future,