AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1929, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

lIA DIO OPERATOR ARRIVES. (Australian Press Association) (United Service.) SYDNEY, February 5. .McWilliams, me radio operator, was cordially welcomed by Commander .vingslord Smith and Lieutenant lilr.. on arrival here Irom New Zealand, air .M,(-Williams stated he was looking forward to the prospective flight in the Southern Cross to England. ADVOCATE OF ROOKIE. (Received this day at 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, .Feb. 6. Ken Austin, a well known auctioneer and racing man, who returned by the Mamma thinks the time has arrived when the New Zealand Government should consider the introduction of bookmakers. He added that with the bookmaker working in conjunction with the tote, the way of the Now Zealand owner wouiu be far easier. As the position now stands it is very hard to make ends meet in the racing game. RAIN IX NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, Feb. 6. Rain on (Monday and yesterday partially broke tile drought affecting the greater part of the State. The northwest slopes to the coast and south coast had good falls. Indications point to rain in the parched outback areas. NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. SYDNEY, Feb. (i. In consequence of the death of the Chief Secretary, the Government’s arrangements for the forthcoming session have been upset. Cabinet has decided that Parliament will be formally opened on February 12th, and immediately adjourned for a fortnight, as the first measure to be considered was to have been piloted through the Assembly by .Mr Bruntnell. MORE BUSH MILLS CLOSE. (Received this dav at 11 a.m.) • , MELBOURNE, Feb. 6. Additional hush mills were forced to close yesterday, the men refusing to conform to the conditions of the new award. Five thousand men engaged in the industry and trades depending upon it are now idle. Steps are being taken to prepare for an extension of the strike to other industries. The Australian Council of Trades Unions made an appeal for funds to all Federal Unions as well as State organisations to conduct the strike. CRICKET BALL EATALTTY. PERTH, Feb. 6. Robert McQueen was umpiring in a game, when he was struck on the head by a cricket ball. He died in the hospital. FEDERAL POLITICS. CANBERRA, Feb. 6. At the Federal' Nationalist Party meeting, Messrs Bruce, Hughes and jothers criticised the Country Party for non-observance of the pact by running a candidate in opposition* to the Nationalist in some electorate. At a subsequent meeting of the Nationalist and Country Parties Mr Bruce suggested the formation of a United Party to support the Government. PRICE OF COAL, ADELAIDE, Feb. 6. Premier Butler states the prices submitted the New South Wales colliery owners were not acceptable owing to an insufficient reduction of price. The Government did not desire to secure supplies outside of Ausralia, but would obtain stocks as required for a short time in- the hope that collieries would he able to arrang a reduction in price; also that the New South Wales Government assist bv lowering rail freight, royalties and harbour dues.