AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 195, 15 February 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BUILDING TRADE LABORERS' STRIKE.

By Cable— Association—Copyright, Received 14, 8.45 p.m. Perth, "February 14. The building trades laborers have struck for an increase to ten shillings a day.

RECIPROCITY WITH CANADA. Received 14, 8.45 p.m. Melbourne, February 14. The Federal Government are prepared to send a delegate to Canada to discuss reciprocity if desired, or to welcome a delegate here.

WIRELESS LITIGATION. Received 14, 8.45 p.m. , Perth, February 14. The Marconi Company has issued a writ against the Federal Government, asking for an injunction to restrain the Commonwealth from infringing the Company's patent rights.

THE TOTE COMMISSION. Received 14, 8.45 pin.

Adelaide, February 14.

The New South Wales Totalisator Commission considered a large quantity of evidence today. The president of the Young Men's Christian Association opposed the machine on moral- grounds, saying it tempted men to gamble where otherwise they would not. The president of the Jockey Club and the chairman of the Racing Club strongly supported the machine. The latter claimed it encouraged clean and' fair sport. The prosperous condition of racing was largely due to the tote.

EPIDEMIC Of COUNTRY FIRES. Received 14, 0.80 p.m. Sydney, February 14.

The epidemic of country fires continues. During the early morning an outbreak occurred at Wqewaa, four shops and the Imperial Hotel being destroyed. The fire was discovered early, but there was no fire brigade, and it was impossible to check the fire before the whole row was gutted. The damage is esti-. mated at £15,000, mostly covered by insurance.

SEAMEN« COMPENSATION ACT. Received 14, 10.15 p.m. Melbourne, February 14. The Federal l Executive has authorised the coming into force of the Seamen's Compensation Act to-morrow.