AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 255, 5 January 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BOGUS BANK NOTES. By Cable.—Presa Association.—Copyright. Sydney, January 4. Bogus notes of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney are circulating in the city. They are it poor imitation. RENTS ADVANCING. Sydney, January 4. As the result of the land tax, rents in Sydney and suburbs are advancing considerably. WAGES AT BROKEN HILL. Sydney, January 4. The new wages agreement at Broken Hill, which means generally an advance of a shilling per shift all round, came into operation yesterday. PLEUROPNEUMONIA. Sydney, January 4. A further outbreak of pleuro-pneu-monia is reported in the Wagga district. THE SOCIALIST PROGRAMME.

Sydney, January 4. The Political Labor League, with a view to securing control of local governing bodies, has selected candidates to run for the forthcoming municipal and shire elections in the city and suburbs. SHIPWRECKS DURING 1910. Sydney, January 4. During last year there were fifteen wrecks and other shipping casualties in New South Wales waters, involving the loss of only one life.

THE ADELAIDE STRIKE. Adelaide, January 4. ' After Cabinet had considered the matter, Mr. Blundell agreed to withdraw his resignation of the post of Government whip. [Mr. Blundell resigned his post, as he was an ollicial of the union connected with the recent strike.] RAIN IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, January 4. Heavy rains have fallen in the Cairns district. There are records up to fifteen inches in twenty-four hours. Considerable damage has been done to railways.

NEW SOUTH WALES ALLIANCE. Sydney, January 4. Mr. Bruntnell, member of the Assembly, has resigned the office of General Superintendent of the New South Wales Alliance owing to business considerations.

BADEN-POWELL. January 4. Advices have been received that there is every probability of Lieut-General Baden-Powell visiting Australia this year. BOWLING. v Adelaide, January 4. In the first match of the inter-State bowling tournament, New South Wales defeated South Australia by 107 to 89. DISAPPOINTED BURGLARS. llobart, January 4. Burglars made a daring attempt to rob the Union Steam Ship Company's office. They entered by a window, and after fruitless attempts to force two doors they ransacked the tills and drawers without getting anything. They inserted two charges of dynamite in the 'keyhole of the strong-room door, and blew off the fastening, but the lock remained intact. Tile robbers were evidently alarmed at the noise of the explosion, and left the building without further attempt to finish the work or securing any booty. The charwoman in the morning found the offices full of smoke. No arrests have been made.

A CORNER IN RADIUM. Sydney, January 4. Professor Laby states that a powerful ring is keeping up the price of radium, and toe considers it would be better if hospitals bought ore instead of radium, and had the ore worked up. MOUNT MORGAN MINE. Brisbane, January 4. Mount Morgan mine reports as follows for the half-year ended November 30:—Revenue £454,754, profits £70,304, while the value of stocks increased by £57,770. A dividend of a shilling per share, absorbing £50,000, Is declared.