COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 301, 18 December 1914, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] United Press Association. (Received 9.2 U a.m.) Sydney, December 18. The Tobacconists’ Association has decided to add a penny an ounce to imported tobacco and a penny to packets of imported cigarettes to cover the new tariff. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, December 18. It is stated that Mr Griffiths proposes to introduce a Totalisator Bill, which will be a non-party measure.

The Labour Council appointed a deputation to visit Mr Estell and urge action to prevent dislocation of the iron trade owing to Judge Heydon’s recent judgment against increases in wages during the war. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Melbourne, December 18. Wheat 6s 9d. Flour £l4. Bran £9 15s. Pollard £lO os. Barley 5s to 6s, Cape 4s 6d. Oats. Algerian, 4s to 4s Id, feed 4s 3d. Maize 4s 9d. Potatoes £6 9s lOd per ton. Onions £ll 10s. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Sydifey, December 18. Arrived: Joan Craig, from Kaipara. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Sydney, December 18.

The war lias wrought havoc in the wool trade. The quantity sold in Australia during the first half of the statistical year shows a falling-off of nearly 400,000 bales of-a cash value of £4,600,000. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Melbourne, December 18. The High Court awarded Alfred Huddy, miner, £I9OO, which is a record amount for damages. The injuries were received from a fall of stone while employed by the Hampden Cloncurrry Mining Co. Huddy sustained a fractured skull, both jaws were “broken, three ribs cracked, left leg shattered, and right arm, which was mangled, had to be amputated. Huddy recovered, and his case is regarded as. a miracle of the surgery. . During the debate on the Commonwealth Bank Bill much uproar occurred in the House of Representatives, and the Speaker- named Mr Cook. The whole of the Oppositionists left the Chamber and Mr Cook was suspended until he apologised. In the absence of the Opposition, the Bill was rushed through. The Senate passed Bills authorising the issue of Treasury bills. sanctioning an eighteen-million loan, and raising the expenditure of two million for the i construction of the railway from Kalgoorjjie to Port Augusta. In the debate on the War Pension Bill, Mr Pearce (Minister of Defence) .stated that for the 20,000 troops despatched the cost would be £233,000 in the, first year.