AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Bcr Press Association. FIRM IN TLAIBKR NULL. SYDNEY, March 8. The damage at Hudson's fire was much greater than at first estimated, and will run into many thousands. After the original outbreak was sutxlued, three other outbreaks occurred , and the firemen had strenuous work to prevent it spreading. All the fires are now controlled, and the danger is over. SYDNEY. March 9. The damage at Hudson's fire is estimated to exceed £OO.OtX) sterling. The fire was not discovered ill it had obtained a strong hold. The absence of wind greatly assisted the firemen. MURDER CHARGE. MELBOURNE, March 8. The hearing of evidence in the Griggs’ trial has concluded. Accused, cross-examined, admitted strained domestic relations, and said that ms wife had asked him to allow her to get a divorce. He denied that lie had had any hand or part in bringing about her death. I .MURDER CHARGE. M ELBUUEN E. /March 9. The police have arrested George Erie Gordon in connection with tin* deaths of Clements and his wile, cabled on 17i.1i February, and charged him with murder. IRON IN DU.■'TRY. ('Received this dav aL 10. Id a.ni.) SYDNEY. Atari'll J. A new British-Australiim company has been formed to develop the iron and steel industry at Port Kemhla. Two leading British companies and two Australian companies are co-op-erating and between them will supply the initial capital of live million to develop the industry. .MINERALS OUTPUT. SYDNEY, .March 9. The value of minerals won in New South Wales in 1927 is estimated at ClB/197,000 .sterling, a. decrease of C 140,000 compared with 192 G. The quantity of coal won last year was seven million tons valued at the ]iit mouth at £9,782,000. The value is the highest on record. The vail tie of the output of silver, lead and zinc, however, was C-l. 182.000, a decline of £1.204.000. Iron and steel manufacturing industry continues to expand. The output from ores won in New South AVales, being 129,001) tons valued at £004,000 an increase of 70,000 compared with the previous year. The yield of gold amounted to 8,032 ounces, fine, valued at £70,000. INCOME TAX CASE. MELBOURNE. March 9. Justice Stark in the High Court refused to make an order in Abraham's income tax case, cabled 2nd March, and the proceedings were adjourned sine die. Stark’s judgment said tho avowed purpose of the proceeding was to use the judgment of the Court for the purpose of executing and enforcing an arrangement with the defendants and so long as that arrangement and purpose subsisted he was not prepared to give any judgment, lending the aid of the Court to any such purpose. HINKLER FETED. • BRISBANE. March 9. Hinkler was enthusiastically received at a round of festivities arranged in his honour. He was presented with a cheque for £IOIXI at He newspaper “Courier” office which is Ho first instalment of a public subscription. He leaves for Sydney to-morrow.