AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service *ROYAL COMMISSION FINDING. (Received this dav at 10.15 a.m.l CANBERRA, June 14. The Royal Commission blames the absence of antiseptics in toxin antitoxin for the deaths of the twelve children at Buiidabergh, Queensland, after inocluation by Dr E. G. Thomson oil January 27th. The Commission, whose report was tabled, recommends that biological products in which the growth of pathogenic bacteria is possible, should not he issued in rubber capped containers for repeated use, unless there is present sufficient concentration of antiseptic to inhibit bacterial growth.

The Commission finds that the serum used by Dr Thomson was properly prepared and sterile, hut contained no anti-septic and no warning label, which was an unsound procedure. Dr Thomson used his fingers instead of sterile forceps in fixing the needle to the 1107/de of the syringe, giving an opportunity for contamination. A further possibility of contamination arose from exposure to tlie air. Tlie Minister of Health proposed to continue investigations into tlie organisms which caused the deaths. TASMANIAN POLITICS. HOBART, June 14.

The Lyons Labour Government resigns on Friday and the Nationalist Ministry succeeds it. Mr J. C. McPhee Tins been elected Premier and Treasurer. HELIUM GAS DISCOVERY. BRISBANE, June 14. Helium.gas, which is a rare element of great value in aerial warfare and marine diving, has been discovered in petroliferous gas coming from the Roma Oil Corporation bore. The helium gas will become the property of the Crown. GARDEN ARRESTED FOR SEDITION. (Received this day at 9.30 n.m). SYDNEY, June 14. Detectives interviewed Garden after the publication of his alleged statement, cabled, and satisfying themselves as to its authenticity, attended later at the Trades Hall accompanied by W. A. Murray, Commonwealth Peace Office, who attempted to hand Garden a summons while ho was leaving a meeting of the marine transport group. Garden protested he was too busy to accept. and the summons fell to the ground, Four detectives followed and took him to the city lock up The incident caused a regular sensation at tho Trades Hall. I here are four State charges of inciting murder and sedition, one by the Commonwealth for intimidation and inciting men to strike or to refuse employment.

J. Kavanagh, an oßitual t.f the transport group announced a further offer towards a settlement was received from the ship.-w nets, which the transport grmin me considering. I lime will be further consideration to day.