Australia

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 27 February 1915, Page 5

Australia

GREAT STRATEGIC RAILWAY. FOODSTUFFS STILL RISING IN . PRICE. Melbourne, February 20. Mr' Fisher stated that the proposed strategic railway started from Port Augusta and went almost direct to Brisbane, a distance of 1100 miles. He was emphatically of opinion that such railways were wanted. He said the more he investigated the matter the more convinced he had become that he would be failing in ,his duty to Australia not to build such a line at the earliest opportunity. Mr Tudor announces that the export of merino wool to America will be allowed provided it is consigned to the chairman of the Textile Alliance.

A mass meeting, under the auspices of the Trades Hall Council, was held to discuss the present price of foodstuffs. It condemned the State Government, and urged the immediate calling of Parliament. At the inquest on Moran, the coroner said no doubt the act he committed was felony. He was called upon to stand, and ran away. This justified, Kerry in shooting. The case was one of justifiable homicide. Sydney, February 26 The Commodities Commission, in raising the price of oatmeal, stated that the advance in the price of meals since August was 100 per cent. The present crop was estimated at four million bushels, compared with last year's fourteen million bushels. The hoard recommended that the price for bulk plain oatmeal be £2S 6s and bulk flaked £3O 6s. On Mr Hall's application, the Necessary Commodities Board has ordered a return of all flour in the State held by bakers, to be made at midnight on Saturday next. Mr Hall states that the problem whether there are enough foodstuffs to see the State through till next harvest will not be solved till they know what flour the millers have stored. London. February 25. Sir J. McCnll, Agent-General for Tasmania, is dividing Tasmania's £SOO for Belgia.ii relief between Belgium and the refugees in England. RELIEF FOR BELGIUM. LIBERAL MEASURES PROPOSED. Received 26, 8.15 p.m. Syd;,ey, February 26.

Mr dolman is satisfied with the authenticity of the cablegram regarding the Belgian Fund. Mr T. A. Coghlun, the Agent-General has cabled an assurance of the genuineness id the body issuing the appeal, an] that the money will be scrupulously applied, without deductions. The Imperial Government testifies to the admirable organisation established by, the Commission. The appeal emanates from the American, Spanish, and Italian Embassies.

Mr llolman suggests that New South Wales should undertake the responsibility of contributing £30,000 monthly—the Government subsidising at the rate of 10s for every 20s collected—continuously until the necessity for the fund vanishes with the restoration of the lielgiums' independence.

The Herald, in a leader, urges Government support with the utmost speed and the utmost generosity. Melbourne, February 20.

Mr A. Fisher, the Federal Premier, stated that Cabinet was seriously considering the matter. Sympathy with Belgium was as great as ever. SEIZURE OF WHEAT. HOLDER COMPELLED TO SELL. Received 20, 8.15 p.m. Sydney, February 20. A proclamation authorised the seizure of (i!IO bags of •Hour awaiting shipment to Melbourne. The owner had refused to sell. TRADING WITH THE ENEMY. Received 2(i, 8.20 p.m. Adelaide, February 20. Rennuf, a Frenchman, was fined £ii for attempting to trade with the enemy on November 12th. lie sent an order 11 a Turkish subject in Smyrna for a continual supply of olive oil, and hequested that the oil be marked, "Made in France." The case goes to the Supreme Court. TITi-] COMMODITIES COMMISSION. Received 20, 10.30 p.m. Sydney, .Fe'iruary 20.

The news-vendors have resumed the sale of the . evening editions, having capitulated on the proprietors' terms. The Commission refused the Association's application to declare that newspapers were a necessary commodity. A 'Labor Council deputation protested that the Commodities Commission l:as failed to regulate rices, and pointed to many instances where regulation was urgently needed. Mr. Hall would not agree that the Commission had failed, saying that it had carried out its work proinptlv and well.