AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1916, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

WAR AND GENERAL. By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright ■ VIOLENT EARTHQUAKE SHOCK. Sydney, January 3. The Riverview seismograph recorded the most violent earthquake shock for years. The centre of the disturbance is believed to be south of New Britain. STATE FISH PRESERVING, Sydney, January 3. Mr. Black is establishing a fish preserving scheme, with depots at several places on the coast, at a total estimated cost of £130,000. Until the new Government trawlers are finished the depots will depend on local fishermen for supplies. SHORTAGE~OF - SILVER COINS. Melbourne, January 3. Owing to a shortage of silver coins and the inability to obtain any from England, the Commonwealth has obtained dies and permission to mint its own. Sydney. Jan. 1. The Daily Telegraph concludes a trade review of the past year by saying that the outlook for the New Year' is excellent, and\ we can look forward to a busier and-more prosperous time during 1916. Four hundred and forty-eight bankruptcy petitions were presented during the year, compared with 405 in the previous year. The liabilities were £425,700 and the assets £170,747. A fire at Collarendabri destroyed Malouf's large stores and the Royal Hotel. The damage is estimated at £20,000. Melbourne, Jan. 1, The wharf lumpers have declined to continue loading wheat ships, though their demand for two shillings an hour wns conceded under protest. They desire a straight out agreement for the whole season on a two shillings basis. Perth, Jan. 1.

A considerable body of soldiers, backed up by the larrikin element, smashed the windows of Erpf (Brothers' premises and three Greek wineshops. Strong military pickets and the police restored order after several hours' rioting, a. few of them receiving a rough handling. Other premises were barricaded in preparation for a threatened attack. Melbourne, Jan. 1. During Mr Hughes' visit to England Mr Pcarce will be acting Prime Minister, ,and Mr. Malion acting Attorney-General, both positions being additional to the existing portfolios.