COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 61, 5 November 1912, Page 8

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) •(United Press Association.) Melbourne, November 5. A farmer residing at Stawcll, father of twenty-five children, applied for exemption from military training for live of his sons, ranging from fourteen to eighteen during the harvest. (Received 9.55 a.in.) Sydney, November 5.

At the eight-hour demonstration at Newcastle, after some strong speeches intermingled with cries of “turn them out,” a resolution was adopted condemning the Government for not introducing an Eight-hour Bill. The Hon. Mr Bceby (Minister of Labour) defended the Government and announced that a Bill would be introduced at the earliest possible moment. Mr Peter Bowling, at the Newcastle eight-hours’ demonstration, referring to the trouble at the southern collieries over the discharge of a man from one of the companies, declared that the Government would have to reinstate him, or the unions would, no matter what it cost.

Owing to tlic shortage of money the Railway Commissioner has been instructed to re-arrange the Estimates, reducing them by over a million, but not to interfere with the railway works proper, though many proposed improvements and additions will he shelved.

The rain that has fallen over the wheat areas at Riverina saved many crops from comparative failure.

Melbourne, November 5. Good rains have greatly improved prospects for cropping. In the cricket match Wcstralia, in the first innings made 154, and in the second have two wickets down, for 72. Victoria, in the first innings, had six wickets down for 350 when they declared. The match has been abandoned. , Brisbane, November 5.

The - Papuan Government steamer, Merrie England, grounded on the reel outside Port Moresby, and in the heavy weather following the vessel broke up. The crew have landed. Melbourne, November 5.

The Government has appointed Mr Loughon, Government Statistician, and Mr Brennan, of the Railway Department, as inspectors to inquire into the financial position of the Colonial Mutual Life Society.

The Governor advises the AttorneyGeneral that he has remitted the punishment of flogging on McDonald and Moore.