AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1930, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

WHEAT STANDARD. (Australian Press Association) (Received this day at It) a.m.) SYDNEY, Fob. 3. The Chamber of Commerce fixed a fair average standard of the current season’s wheat at 6l:{ lbs. per bushel.

POWER ALCOHOL. SYDNEY, Feb. 3. The acting-Minister of Customs (Mr Fordo) says that big developments in cue production of power alcohol from molasses is pending in Queensland. It is estimated the first factory at Sarina, which will soon be ready for operation, will produce sufficient spirit for tlie whole of Queensland's requirements, roughly, something over 8,000,000 gallons yearly Negotiations are proceeding to purchase the total output of molasses, which was previously thrown out.

OBITUARY. SYDNEY, Feb. 3. Obituary—Charles Snodgrass. He was born at Rotorua in 1857 and educated in England. He served in the N;.S.W. Department for more than forty years. He was headmaster of several leading schools.

MU.LFIELD MINERS TO RESUME. SYDNEY, Feb. 3. At a special meeting of Millfield Great Miners’ Lodge, it was decided to resume work to-day and throw off the authority of South Maitland rank and tile conference. The miners were withdrawn from this mine in December, as a result of a meeting at which the Reds were in control.

FEDERAL CUSTOMS. (Received this day at 10 a.m.) CANBERRA, Feb. 3

Customs receipts fell off in every State of the Commonwealth last month. The' total of £3,3/1,000 was more than a quarter of a million less than January 1929. Collections for the past seven months, however, amounting to £26,486,000 show an increase of £1,879,000 on a similar period of the preceding year.

QUEENSLAND FLOODS. BRISBANE, Feb. 3. The Burdeken river having l fallen at Inkerman bridge, the train service has resumed to Townsville. Charleville to Guilpi line is still interupted owing to many washouts. In one place the water covered the metals for three quarters of a mile. Coastal rain registrations for 24 hours ended on Saturday morning reached 438 points at Mapleton. The next highest was 366 at Maleny. Only some scattered light falls occurred in the interior. A BEER STRIKE. PERTH, February 1. A heer strike is in progress at the State hotel at Gwalia, where a black bar lias been placed on it, owing to a charge of sixpence for a ten ounce measure. The men demanded 12 ounces. The trade is at a standstill. The strikers also refuse to accept ten ounce measure in Bonora.