AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 74, 14 August 1912, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GAS COMPANIES. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, August 13, As the result of the Bill the Government is introducing, deal..,# ivitu gas companies, cheapening the price, providing heavy penalties for supplying defective illuminant and fixing a dividend not exceeding four per cent, on the paidup capital of companies, gas shares have slumped heavily. Australian Gas Light Company's shares have fallen ,£4 10s since Friday, and aire now quoted at £l3 10s.

THE COST OF LIVING. Melbourne, August 13. Giving evidence before the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the food supply, a leading butcher denied the existence of a meat ring in the eitv. One witness etimated the loss of sheep by this year's drought at 10,000,000. GOVERNMENT HOUSE. Sydney, August 13. Messrs. Fisher and MeG-owen are still negotiating on the Sydney Government House question. So far 'the Commonwealth offer is below the Staite's demands.

EPIDEMIC OF MEASLES. Sydney, August 13. Measles are more prevalent than for years, and the mortality Ls (heavy. MEAT EXPORT STOPPED. Sydney, August 13. • Mr.. Hohnan states that owing to high prices the export of meat has practically stopped. PRICE OF MEAT RAISED. Sydney, August 13. The butchers at Grafton liav-e raised prices 75 per cent. COSTS OF LIBEL CASE. Melbourne, August 13. Archbishop Clarke was presented with an illuminated address by leading lay|mcn of his diocese. Replying, the Archbishop stated that the £IOOO awarded 'him in the late libel action ihad been absorbed in costs over and above those allowed by the rules of the court. DEATH OF A LARORITE. Sydney, August 13. Obituary.—Mr. Gray, secretary to the 'lllawarrn Miners' Union, and a' prominent Laborite. |