AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 224, 1 March 1915, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

VIVID LANGUAGE BY METHODIST MINISTER. THE TRANSCONTINENTAL liy Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, February 20. The Methodist Conference, discussed the, Belgian appeal. Several speakers feared the Germans might confiscate money sent. 'Die Rev. Mr Cox exclaimed: "If the Germans should, let th»*n be damned." He was loudly cheered, and £203 wag subscribed to the fund in ten minutes. The Federal Cabinet has decided lo extend the concession on bran, pollard, and oaten straw to private persons. Mr Fisher states that the strategic railway from Brisbane to Port Augusta will cost six and a half millions. The British War Office, has requested one hundred doctors to join the medical corps in Europe, 111 addition to those required by the Australian units. The Home Affairs Department express anxiety as to a possible shortage of cement, owiny; to the stoppage of supplies from Geiinany. Negotiations are proceeding to purchase a quantity in New Zealand. THE PRICE OF SUGAR. Brisbane, February 27. Mr Denham, spcaV'ing to the delegates at the half-yearly meeting of the Australian Sugar Producers' Association, expressed disappointment at the manner in which other States hid treated the industry. As the NewSouth Wales CommiusTon has not announced the price he thought the Colonial Sugar Company should immediately declare a price of not less thou £23 per ton. He believed £25 would be a fair thing,, but no one could quibble at £23. Even Mr Fisher recognised that as a fair price. A council meeting of the association gave the executive poivcr to take any steps, judicial or otherwise, to secure mi increased price and was instructed to press for an increase in th? duty to £7 per ton.