AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3383, 12 January 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

rmn WHEAT MUDDLB. .._......_ OFFICE STRONGLY CONDEMNED.‘ . I——-'3' Received 10.10 am. 1 SYDNEY, this day. The report of the Wheat Commission! deals only with the administration of} the ‘State Wheat Oflice, other ‘matters are still in a-beyanee owing to illness of Mr Georgeson. In the aggregate re?‘ port there is severe. condemnation of the confusion -and muddle which prevailed in the Wh_eat Oifice until practically :the beginning of -1919. His Honour found that there had been heavy losses in‘ botlfwheat and money, but at present it was impossible to estimate the loss of wheat. He severely condemned the failure to appreciate :the seriousness of the mouse plague until extensive damage had been done, and comes to the c.onclusion that with best handling wheat would not last more than a year. The oflice was not adequately staffed with ex; perienced men and they became overwhelmed with the -magnitude of the business which ultimately confronted them. It is also reported that certain persons appeared to have conspired to defraud the oflice in connection with contracts for -supplies. THE BRISBANE G-OVERNORSHIP. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROTEST. Received 10.10 am. I BRISBANE, this day. The Legislative Council has appointed a committee to-protest to the Government against the appointment of Lennon; a similar protest is prepared for presentation‘ to the Governor. WORKERS WANT COMPENSATION. FOR CLOSING LITHGOVV WORKS. Received 10.10 am.‘ ‘ . p SYDNEY, this day. A deputation from the Ironwbrkers’ Association waited -on the Minister of Public Works and urged nationalisation of_ the Lithgovv Ironworks and compensation to workers owing to the closing of -the works. The Minister promised that. Cabineewould consider the matter. . ~ - I As a. result of.the marine engineers’ strike over 250,000 tons of-shipping is idled in the Commonwealth; “ REIGN Ol‘ "TERROR. BROCEEDING IN .‘HONGKOV'-G. ' Received 10.10 *a..m. BRISBANE, -this day. Aipassenger by the Rongoniaru from Japan, brings news of the reign of terror in Hongk-ong as a result of daring depredations by Chinese pirates and Jobber gangs. Daylight robberies are “of daily occuranee, and me-mbers of the police are frequently shot‘ in the ‘streets. ' '-