AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

HY TEI.KGR.mi —I’IIKSS ASSN.j COPYRIGHT. X.S.W. MOVIE TAX. SYDNEY, June 14. Representatives of the big picture film distributors applied to the Acting Chief Justice in the High Court, in Chambers, for an injunction restraining the State Government of Now South Wales from levying and collecting tax on tlio exhibition nf picture films.

A declaration was also sought (hat the Act, under which the fax was collected was invalid. The matter was allowed to stand over until to-morrow in enable counsel for the Government to confer VviF Attorney-General.

LIBEL VERDICT. SYDNEY, June 15. A libel action in which Sir Thomas Henley, a member of the Legislative Assembly, claimed £5,000 from the ” Dailv Telegraph ” Newspaper Coy., ended in a verdict for £3OO. Henley claimed that- the newspaper in an article accused him of using his official position as a member ol the Mater Board to light Australian industries and workers : also that a second mticlo discussing the absence of five Nationalist members from a certain division in the Assembly, referred to him among others ns a shirker. A stay of

proceedings was granted.

BRITISH PREFERENCE. SYDNEY. June 15. When the City Council was discussing (he recommendations from the Finance Commiltcc that a motor ear to he bought lor the Lord Mayor and a type-writer should he of British manufacture. Alderman Shannon, who said he was speaking for the Labour caucus, moved an amendment removing the restrictions to British makes. He said the Committee's recommendations gave undue preference to British manufacturers. He added there were cheaper enrs to he had titan llriti-h. 'The amendment was carried.

BATHING BEAUTY COMPETITIONS MELBOURNE, June 15. A deputation ol the M omen Citizens movement asked the Chief Secretary to prohibit competitions lor girls in bathing suits at picture theatres. Mr Pmidorga.xt replied that in the absence of a strong body ol public opinion, and under tile existing la" he was unable to prevent bathing beauty competit ions.