AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 198, 19 February 1912, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE TOTALISATOR. By Cable—Press A«»«mtio»—Oyyrigfct. Melbourne, February 17. At the sitting of the Totalisator Commission, the Rev. Mr. Nicholson, Superintendent of the Scripture Instruction Campaign, opposed the machine on the grounds that it legalised gambling. It was a blunder to create vested interests in connection with gambling, which, when created, were difficult to abolish.

THREE BOYS DROWNED. Melbourne, February 17. Three boys, Draper, McDougall, and Wildie, who were bathing at Port Melbourne, disappeared. Their clothing wss found on the beach, and it is believed they were drowned.

SHORTAGE OF LABOR. Adelaide, 'February 17. The Inspector of Factories states that the shortage of labor is as follows: Men 977, youths 136, women 726, girls 279.

LOSS FROM PENNY POSTAGE. Sydney, February 17. Ten months' experience justifies the estimate of the effects of penny postage, which has resulted in a loss of £400,006 for the first year. It is expected that in succeeding years the deficit will become less.

A FACTORY BURNED. Sydney, February 17. Fire destroyed Messrs. Forster and Sons' bedstead and bedding factory at Ultimo. It was heavily 6tocked, and the damage done amounted to £12,000.

A STRIKE OF BARMEN. Adelaide, February 17. Brewers' employees struck on the question of pay. Barmen and cellarmen demanded £3 $a and right to board, instead of £2 5s and keep. A conference failed to arrange a settlement. The liquor trade employees and officials have been called out. Brewery workers will cut 'off supplies unless the etrike is settled. Barmen cease work to-day .