AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) SOLOMONS EXPEDITION. CANBERRA, Nov. 2. In the House of Representatives, in reply to a- question, Air Bruce stated that the cruiser Adelaide did not take part in any punitive expedition in the Solomons, nor would it take part in any action to bring the murderers to justice. The expedition which arranged to go inland was organised by the British Government from the latter’s own forces in the area. The Adelaide was merely standing by in order to protect the base camp. SUGAR REFINING. SYDNEY, Nov. 2. The balance siiecL presented at the Colonial Sugar Refining’ Company's meeting, for the half year ended September 30th last, showed profits from Australian mills and refineries to be £241,101, and earnings in New Zealand and Fiji £232,.402, from which it was proposed to pay a dividend ot twenty shillings, and a bonus of five shillings per share, absorbing £3f>B,025. leaving £110,891. which, added to the balance of the profit and loss account, brings the total to £111,330, from which £IOO.OOO is placed in reserve fund.

The report states that the 192.8 crop in Australia, is estimated at a total of 493.000 tons, of which 150.000 is sold to British and Canadian refineries. Land has been purchased in Western Australia, upon which it is proposed to establish a refinery.

Referring to tho anticipated shortage of soft woods for papermaking, the report states that attention is being given to the use of crushed sugar cane for the production of paper hoards, and adds: “There are difficulties to he overcome, lint it is said that the plant, will he laid down in Queensland for a testing process.”

LEPERS CURED. BRISBANE, Nov. 3

in the Assembly, the Home Secretary stated that thirty lepers have been discharged cured, from Peel Island Lazerotte during the past two years. The special treatment with chalmoogra oil and anti-leprol was still being continued.