COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 52, 25 October 1912, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

BROKEN HILL. Sydney, October 24. Since the opening of the Broken Hill mines they have yielded ores valued at £71,000,000. THE NEW SOUTH WALES LOAN. Sydney, October 24. The New South Wales loan of three million has partially fallen through, owing probably to foreign sources, which it was hoped to tap, being sud denly closed through financial exigen cios created by the war. The Treasure has received a cable from the Agent General announcing that a loan of one and a half million debentures for ten years, with interest at 4 per cent., at 99, is available. RECIPROCITY. Melbourne, October 24. Replying to a question in the Mr. Fisher said that he had good reasons for believing that there was a growing sentiment in New Zealmd fo. closer reciprocal relations with tin Commonwealth regarding trade ans. defence. He felt sure, from unofficial correspondence received, that tin. feeling was growing. PRESSMEN’S PROTEST. Receved 9.15 a.m.) Sydney, October 25. The Country Press Association, b), resolution, are emphatically probes;ing against signed articles and reports re lacing to the Federal election ma’;tors SPEAKER WILLIS AGAIN. In the Assembly, Mr Fitzpatrick am’ Speaker Willis again came into con flict, and the member evaded remova' by walking out. He returned amvoted on a division. When the Speaker noticed him, he ordered ),i. c removal. Mr Fitzpatrick claimed tba : the bar was down, and an angle' wrangle ensued, ending in the Speak or sending for the police. Mr Fit?. Patrick was removed, protesting loudly about the Speaker manipmating the Government majority. After the Premier had replied to Mr Woods on the censure, a slant dehat. to have the closure applied was nogativedi by 41 votes to 3w».»ai i\ «if. AN EXCELLENT SCHEME. The Hon. A. Griffiths (Secretary for Public Works), has taken prompt ac tion in regard to Mr. Hay’s report on the city railways and bridge scheme. A sum lias been placed on the Estimates so that the preliminary well can be started as soon as Parliamem. approves. The Lord Mayor regard? the scheme as excellent.

OLD AGE PENSIONS AND COMPENSATION. Melbourne, October 25. Tbe Hon. Mr. Fisher (Prime Minis ter) naked for an appropriation of five million pounds for the Old-age Pen sions and Trust Fund. After discnssioi the amount was reduced to three mil lions, and the Pill passed the Commit tee stages. The Bill will provide compensation in the case of accident and death to workmen in the Commonwealth’s employ, and has introduced a maximum payment in the case of death —which has been fixed at £SOO. AUSTRALIAN SCULLERS. a 1 (Received 10.15 a.m.) Sydney, October 25. Charlie Towns, Felton, and F. Paddon have all challenged Pearce to row for the championship of Australia. Pearce is prepared to meet anyone, but declines the proposal to row the winner in a series of tests amongst the challengers, particularly in view of the arrangement to meet Barry next May. SCENE IN THE SENATE. Melbourne, October 25. There was a scene in the Senate. An interjection by Mr Chataway roused Mr Given’s anger and he rushed forward in a fighting attitude. Members intervened and he was forcibly prevented from striking Mr Chataway. In an unseemly wrestle, Mr Givens was hustled to his seat.

THE BURDEN OF DEFENCE.

Mr Pearce, addressing a conference of military officers, pointed out the tremendous burden the new scheme of defence was placing on taxpayers. Two years ago the cost was two million pounds, now it was 5J millions.