COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 45, 24 February 1915, Page 8

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

MELBOURNE WOOL SALES

United Press Association

Melbourne, February 23

At the wool sales there was keenest (competition for all sections and the highest prices of the series were made. Americans secured the largest prop > tion of the merinos. Com Cables.

MISCELLANEOUS. Sydney, February 22. The caucus elected Mr George Black to succeed Hon. Treue as Minister oi Lands.

The heat has broken and good scattered rains have fallen. Hobart, February 23.

The search steamer has return'd from an unsuccessful quest tor the missing Endeavour. , Melbourne, February 23.

Two tubes of radium, valued at £SOO, were inadvertently thrown out with bandages from the hospital and sent to the destructor. A radium expert submitted the ashes to the electroscope, and recovered the tubes undamaged, despite the great heat of the destructor.

RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA.

Hobart, February 23.

The Chamber of Comerce has airpointed a committee to inquire how the proposed reciprocity with New Zealand will affect Tasmania. The mover of the resolution pointed out that New Zealand had refused to federate with Australia, and it was now proposed to offer the Dominion all the benefits of the Federation, without having to pay any costs.

Other speakers declared that it would mean a serious loss to the fas. manian barley, hop, and potato growers. New Zealand could swamp them with potatoes, but there would be some compensation as regards preserved fruits and jams. Sydney, February 23.

Mr Flowers conferred with the Frozen Meat Exporters’ Association in reference to the Meat for Imperial Uses Act about to be enforced, under which the Government purchases all exportable meat. The Association, appointed a committee to co-operate with Mr Flowers so as to ensure the smallest possible interfering with existing channels of business. Carcase butchers have written to Mr Caun, protesting against the high prices fixed by exporters for meat taken over by the Government, which they declare are three farthings a pound above the ruling local prices. These will consequently be similarly increased. They ask the Government to consult the butchers before the prices are finally fixed, or afford them facilities of adequately supplying local consumers without having to unduly increase prices. Melbourne, February 23. Mr Fisher says the situation-is more hopeful regarding export permits, luit he is unable to gain any information as to the possibility of the embargo being lifted.