AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 228, 20 January 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PEARL-SHELLING INDUSTRY. By Association—Copyright. Melbourne, January 19, The Department of External Afl'aigives as reasons for excluding Papuan from the pearl-shelling industry that they are wanted for development work m Papua. Another reason is the desire to keep intoxicating liquors away from them.

COAL SEAM DISCOVERED. Melbourne, January 10. The discovery of a Oft seam of coal is reported on the coast near Inverloch.

POTATO BLIGHT. Melbourne, January Hi. Reports indicate the serious spread of Irish blight in potato areas. '

WESTRALIAN RAILWAY POLICY. Perth, Jamiarv 10. The Assembly passed a Bill for the construction of light railways in the wheat belt.

POSTAL REFORMS WANTED. Sydney, January 10. There is serious discontent throughout the Commonwealth postal service, and a strong agitation in favor of reforms is in progress, with possible developments. THE FEDERAL REFERENDA. Melbourne, January 19. ' Messrs. Murray and Kidston conferred i on the question of the forthcoming referenda campaign, and agreed on united action. A GRUESOME FIND. Melbourne, January 19. A bag containing a human leg was found in the busli at Frankston. The police are investigating the discovery. FALSE TRADE MARKS. Melbourne, January 19. In connection with the proposal of the British Government to bring the question of false trade marks before the Washington International Conference on industrial protection, Mr. Tudor states that the Customs here challenged many thousands of trade descriptions. Numbers proved fraudulent and misleading.

THE GASWORKERS' STRIKE. Sydney, January 10. The inquiry into the recent strike of gas workers has commenced.

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY. Melbourne, January 19. An expedition, organised by the Commonwealth to explore the Northern Territory with a view to its development under the new regime, left Melbourne yesterday.