AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 138, 6 December 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

INCOME TAX BILL. .By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, December 5. In the Assembly the income tax debate was closured and the second reading carried by 33 votes to 21. COMMONWEALTH LONDON 1 OFFICE. Melbourne, December 5. The Federal Government has decided to acquire t a block facing the Strand, London, as a site for the Commonwealth offices, at a cost of about £350,000. The Government will erect buildings costing £200,000. The Morning Post suggests that if the freehold can be secured, all the D minions should join Australia in building offices on a good site, including trade and emigration agencies. ■ WAGES OF SHIP'S OFFICERS. Sydney, December 5. Mr. Justice Higgins has commenced the hearing of the Merchant Service Guild case claiming better conditions and wages for masters and officers of inter-State steamers. Several companies having already signed the agreement, their names were struck out. DOMESTIC SERVANTS ARRIVE. Melbourne, December 5. Eighty-four domestic servants arrived, and all were engaged before they left the vessel. CIVIL SERVANTS AND ARBITRATION. Melbourne, December 5. In the Federal House of Representatives the Bill to place civil servants under the Federal Arbitration Act was road a second time. The debate disclosed that several members of the Labor Party oppose the measure for various reasons. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FARMING. Adelaide, December 5. Lambing returns are below the average, owing to the failure of the early rains. Heavy rains are falling throughout the agriculture areas, and it is feared that damage will result to the heavy crops. LITHGOW IRONWORKS. Sydney, December 5. Hos'kinK lias discharged seventy men engaged in the extension of the works and other branches of the Lithgow ironworks. It is rumored that the blast furnaces will shortly be closed. It is expected that the firm will proceed against the Government for the cancellation of contracts'-. OPEN AIR RECREATION. Sydney, December 5. Giving evidence at the Daylight Saving Tmjiiirj', the secretary of the Labor Council thought it would be an advantage from the hygienic point of view for the workers to have a chance of more open air recreation, but extra daylight would be a factor making for more overtime work. RAINS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, December 5. There has been a further heavy rainfall over a widespread area. The outlook was immensely benefited by the recent general rains.