AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1928, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Australian Press Association.) ARAfAMENT OUTLAY. AtELBOURNE. July 20. ' The Federal Government has begun an economy campaign. It involves a reduction of £200,000 in the Defence Department expenditure, including £125,000 in the navy expenses, and £25,000 on the military. The balance is borne by the Air Force and munitions supply. COAL CONTRACT INQUIRY. SYDNEY, July 20. An investigation to be made as to Sydney City Council coal contracts by Judge Thomson, as a, Royal Commissioner, will cover all contracts for the purchase or supply of coal and all payments therefor over a period of twenty years up to 1927, with the object of discovering whether there has been corruption on the part of any person concerned. JAPANESE WARSHIPS. SYDNEY, July 20. The Japanese Consul-General, Air Pokugawa, is a passenger by the Ulimaroa, which sailed to-day for Wellington, where he welcomes the Japanese Fleet, afterwards proceeding to Auckland on official business, MUSICIANS UNION. SYDNEY. July 21. A’ielding to representations of - the Musicians Union, the Federal Homo Territories Department has advised musical and theatrical entrepreneus that in future official' consent must be obtained before bringing foreign musicians for orchestras into Australia. The fullest information regarding nationality must he supplied.