AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1930, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

DESTROYER SUNK

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, April 9

The first- of the Australian Navy’s obsolete destroyers, the “Torrens” was sent to her doom at sea to-day by shell fire. The “Torrens” made an excellent target, for the cruisers “Australia” and “Canberra.”

G RAZIERS CONFERENCE.

EMPIRE CONTROL OF WOOL

SYDNEY, April 10

The Graziers Conference decided in favour of tho, establishment of Empire control of wool.

' The President. Mr Tout, said an Empire pool could Ikj financed on a capial of £50,000,600. If the proposal is approved by the Graziers, the Federal Council and the Australian Wool Growers Council, it is proposed that Sir Jolm Higgins Tic invited to formulate a scheme proposal, for the Australian Pool was rejected by the Government’s scheme to impose a. levy on wages. Salares are estimated to return between two and three million sterling a year. It has not yet been decided wliat the rate will be, but Ministers suggested twopence or threepence in the pound be imposed with a larger rate on larger salaries.

RE-OPENING OF MINES

EXPECTED SHORTLY

(Received this dnv at 9.25 a.m.f SYDNEY, April 10.

The mine owners are expected to announce the opening date of, .the mines shortly, having given the ’miners an opportunity ctf returning in a body. The owners, now that the compromise terms have been rejected, will carry out their original plans oi opening the mines with volunteer labour.

DEFENCE 'ESTIMATES CUT. CANBERRA, April 10

The Government has decided to cut the new. year’s defence estimates by at least £SOO,OOC>. lit is claimed the Department was run too extravagantly and big savings can be effected without affecting the personnel.

AIR FORCE EXPENDITURE, MELBOURNE, April 10

The Government will reduce the air force estimated expenditure by onefifth. It is 'admitted the dismissal of on'e-third of the officers and men is imminent. 1

H.M.A.S. CANBERRA. MELBOURNE, April 10,

It is officially announced the H.M.A.S. Canberra is leaving for Malta at the end of the Australian winter to join the British Mediterranean fleet in tlie autumn manoeuvres. r A cruiser from the British Navy is to come to Australia.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ELECTION ADELAIDE, April 10.

Premier Butler was elected by a narrow margin. The Country Party leader, Mr Cameron, also held his seat. There is a- likelihood of Labour capturing the whole of the Metropolitan seats and having a party of;) thirty-one.