AUSTRALIA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 157, 28 November 1914, Page 5

AUSTRALIA

RAIDS ON ALIENS. WOOL EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. BANK OFFICERS AND SOLDERING. Melbourne, November 27. In the TTnuse, Mr Hughes stated, in connection with the recent raids, that steps had been taken to prosecute in one case.

The exportation of wool from Australia,, except to the United Kingdom in Allies' ships, is prohibited. Sydney, November 27. The Metropolitan Board of Works has decided to dismiss all its German employees, numbering eight. Melbourne, November 27. Regarding the report that a bank had refused to allow its employees to volunteer, Mr Fisher states that the superintendent of the Bank of Australasia saw him and pointed out that the bank had already allowed a verv large number of its Officers to go to the war from all the Australian States and New Zealand, and work could not be carried on efficiently if more went, A circular was sent out to this effect some time ago also stating that officers must apply for leave before volunteering. In the case referred to in the press the officer applied and was fefused leave, but took the law mto his own hands, and resigned In other matters the bank had shown its patriotism by subscribing liberally to the patriotic funds in Australia and New Zealand. Where officers had obtained permission to go to the front the bank allowed them full pay in addition to their military pay.

AUSTRALIA'S FOOD PROBLEM. DRASTIC ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT. PURCHASE OF ENTIRE WHEAT t ii . Sydney. November 27. in the Assembly, Mr Hall moved the introduction of a Bill empowering the Government compulsorily to acquire the whole wheat crop of the State for its sale and distribution and to provide for varying certain contracts. He then moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to push the Bill through. Mr Wade and others objected to the rushing through of such an important measure and there were some lively scenes. The closure was applied and the motion carried by 38 votes to 31. Mr Hall, in a lengthy explanation, punctuated by many interruptions, detailed the Government's intentions. He hoped they would not have to import wheat. If they adopted the Bill they would not, but if they did not it would be necessary to import. He claimed that it was unlikely the price of wheat would rise until it became clear that importation was necessary. He proposed to fix the purchasing price at Ss at country railway stations. At this price farmers would be getting considerably more than in previous years. A I higher rate would be allowed for seed •wheat. Where it was proved that farmers had entered into contracts to sell

I wheat before September Ist, provision I would be made to vary the contracts. ■The Government were opposed to limiting the increase in the price of bread to a halfpenny per loaf. The Bill would be administered by a board. Mr Wade moved an amendment to insert words providing for payment of the fair market value as compensation for wheat acquired. This was negatived by 37 votes to 27. The Bill was introduced and carried to the second reading stage, and adjourned till Tuesday.

A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. Received 27, 8.40 p.m. Sydney, November 27. Sir. Hall stated that tile Government's commandeering of wlirat was the result i'f the drought and the war. He esti mated Australia's yield at 27y 3 to 30 million bushels, and she required the latter quantity for feod piiwioses. Ho stated that wheat was still being exported to New Zealand. There was a possibility of flour rising within a year to £l6 a ton, and bread to fivepenee a loaf. If possible, the Government was ?oin?.to prevent that. The Government did not anticipate that action wonld be necessaary for some months, because supplies would come forward, bu if seizure were necessary there would V-i seizure. DOCKYARD STRIKE SETTLED.