AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

— ~ 'Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] ANZAC DAV SPEECH. SYDNEY, April 28. In the course of a speech at Broken Hill to the returned soldiers, at the Anzac Day celebrations, the Labour Mayor ol the city. Air Dennis, declared that he had no time for a man who said he Mould not go to the front and light lor I reedom and justice. The freedom they enjoyed to-day had been brought about by the protection of the Biitish Empire. This speech led to the Broken Hill Works' Industrial Association carrying a resolution expressing "amazement anil disgust at anti-working class utterances by an alleged Labour .Mayor. and demanding Air Dennis's resignation .

FALLING BIRTHRATE. HOBART. April 28 Tasmania's birth-rate for 192(1 was only 23.5 compared with 21.5 for the previous year, and ii was the lowest since 1858. The rate since 1913 has declined hy over 20 per cent. The death-rate in 1920 is the lowest on record, QUEENSLAND DROUGHT. BRISBANE, April 28. Drought, in the Central and Western districts of Queensland threatens to drive the pastoralists oil' their hold ings. The conditions are described as fearful, and as many ewes are lambing, the owners are unable to move their stock to other pastures. The indications are that the pastoralists will have to pass another rainless winter. After the past three years of drought many of them are now nimble to decide whether it is woitli while to pay the cost of artificial feeding or to let their sheep take their chance.

ACQUITTED OF AIURDER. SYDNEY, April 29. Hughes was found not guilty on a charge of murdering Joan Smith. HEAVY FIRE LOSS. BRISBANE, April 29. A tire at Alillaipiin Sugar Refining Works near Bmulaberg caused damage to the extent of £2!!:>.C”3. -Much valuable machinery, also nearly three thousand tons of refined sugar and one hundred tons of syrup were dost roved.

BASIC WAGE. MELBOURNE, April 29. A decrease in the basic wage under the Commonwealth Arbitration Court s awards comes into operation, with the exception of Berth and Adelaide on Ist May. In Melbourne and Sydney the reduction will lie Is weekly. in Brisbane 2s (id. and in Hobart (id. Tn Adelaide there will he an increase oi' |s. Perth remains as at present. CRICKET TEAM. ■SYDNEY. April 29. Collins has withdrawn from Oldfield’s team to tour the Malay States and Macartney captains the team. WFSTBALIAN POLITICS. PERTH. April 29. The Labour Party re-elected the former Cabinet with the addition of IT. Hamilton as honorary ministei. Collier retains the premiership.