Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 53, 29 October 1914, Page 5

Australia.

United Press Association. Adelaide, October 28. In the Legislative Assembly, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in moving the second reading of the Seed Wheat Bill, stated that the Government did not propose to fix the price of wheat. A specially appointed board would acquire wheat as an ordinary purchaser or compulsorily at a price agreed with the vendor, or, failing that, at a price fixed by a committee. The wheat would then be( sold to farmers, or advanced • under the provisions of the Drought Relief Bill. It is anticipated that three million bushels will he reaped in Smith Australia this harvest to meet the requirements of the State.

Sydney, October 28

A meeting of merchants interested in cargo on German steamers sheltering in Java and adjacent ports, considered that the Dutch Government had power under the clauses of the New York’ and Antwerp rules to compel the masters to discharge their cargoes. The meeting resolved to obtain a legal opinion as to whether action in Dutch courts would be likely to prove successful, and also to ascertain the result of Nestle’s and Anglo-Swiss Milk Company’s action in the Dutch courts. Melbourne, October 28. A proclamation forbids the export of hides and skins.

JAPAN’S MOTIVES IN RIGHT LIGHT.

(Received 1 a.ra.) Sydney, October 29,

The Japanese Consul-General, at the master builders’ picnic, referring to .Japanese action in the war, said that lit was evident from the cables that there had been some influence antagonistic to Japan at work. Her motives had been misrepresented, but the cables disclosed that Japan’s action was taken with the full accord and agreement of Britain. He trusted that the suspicion which might have existed had been dispelled. If further rumours gained currency he hoped they would not be seriously regarded by the thinking population.

THE QUESTION OF FINANCE. (Received 11 a.m.) Sydney, October 29. The Assembly passed a month’s supply. Mr Cann, explaining, said that all the States and the Commonwealth were negotiating loans in London. There*, were fair average prospects of success. They might reasonably expect the same otreatment as other dependencies after the- outbreak of war.

HARD-UP GERMANS LOOKING , FOR TROUBLE,

(Received 11 a.m.) Sydney, Octol>er 29

The Government placed eighty-five hard-up Germans in camp at Windsor, providing them with food and clothing in return for their work. A section caused trouble by refusing to work without pay, and the police were called in and removed the malcontents. The balance then struck and marched out in a body, an improvised band playing national airs. COMMONWEALTH MATTERS DURING WAR TIME.

(Received 11 a.m.) Melbourne, October 29

The House passed through all stages a Bill providing for the safety of the Commonwealth during war, giving extensive powers to the naval and military authorities in dealing with Aliens, the importation or exportation of goods and other offences, and fixing heavy penalties. Amongst other provisions the Government may deport aliens whether naturalised oV unnaturalised.' |Mr Cook thought the Bill forecasted martial law. He was not prepared to place'such powers in the hands of the naval and military hoard. Though he did not like many of the provisions, lie would not op]K)so the Bill.