AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1929, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(Australian Press Association) FEDERAL POLITICS. SYDNEY, January 28. The Prime Minister (Mr Bruce) has chosen John Arthur Perkins as the Government Whip in the House of Representatives to succeed Aft* Manning, who was defeated at the recent Federal elections. COAL SUPPLY. SYDNEY, January 28. Another serious development has oc■curred in regard to the coal industry in New South Wales. There is a probability that contracts for the supply of coal to the Victorian Government will he given 'to overseas tenderers. The Victorian Railways Commissioner has sought permission to obtain coal abroad.

DROWNING FATALITY,

SYDNEY, January 28

A Wagga message states the fourth drowning within a fortnight occurred in Murrumbidgee river when James Williamson, aged 16, attempting to swim across the river sank in the middle where the current is very strong.

MURDER CHARGE,

MELBOURNE, January 28

In regard to the shooting of Ryan (cabled on 22nd January) following which Roy Bruhn was charged with attempting to kill her, Genova, aged 30, has been charged with having been an accessory.

ACCUSED DISCHARGED. BRISBANE, January 28.

Gordon Franks, who was charged as James Kelly, with the murder of Frederick Walter at Booujie, was discharged, the police stating they were convinced the inan before the court was not Kelly. Franks said he admitted he was the wanted man because the police pestered him.

A SUDDEN STRIKE.

PERTH, January 28

All the municipal activities were brought to a standstill at Bunbnry, when employees of Bunbury Council, comprising sanitary and road workers, coal carters, and street cleaners, etc. failed to report for duty without warn* ing. They were incensed because the new Municipal Employees Award, providing for a forty-four instead of. a forty-eight hour week, did not bring them within its scope.

CYCLE SMASH.

FIVE CONTESTANTS HURT.

SYDNEY, Jan. 27

Five voutlis were competing in an amateur event at the Velodrome eyeliner races last night, when the leader skidded and all of them were brought down. They all were sent to the hospital with injuries, but none of them was seriously hurt.

POTATO SHORTAGE

IN NEW SOUTH WALES

SYDNEY, January 27

The New South Wales Minister of Agriculture has granted an extension at the time for the marketing of new potatoes till 28th'February, applicable to tubers grown in New South Wales a,,d those imported from other States, with the object of relieving the effects of the potato shortage. ihe exceptionally dry season on the mainland and in Tasmania has caused the potato crop to be late and light, thus resulting in high market prices.