AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

INSECT PESTS' INVESTIGATION. Sydney, August 21. The Commonwealth Government has engaged Professor Lefroy, of the Imperial College of Science. London, to investigate the Wow-fly, grain weevil, and other pests, also the possibility of establishing the silk industry in Australia. His engagement covers a year, a t a salary of £3OOO, travelling expenses, and £2OOO for experimental work.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

Professor Lefroy was entomologist to the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies from 1809 to 1903, and Imperial Entomologist for India from ISO.-} to 1912, since which time he has been Professor of Entomology at the Imperial College of Science' and Technology.

I.W.W. CASES. Sydney, August 21. Scully's lengthy statement reviewing the I.W.W, ease, as given by Mr. Judd, has been published, it alleges Mallister, one of the material witnesses, toid him that certain detectives had sworn lies and faked evidence. Scully and Mallister issued writs against the Government with the idea of re-opening the case. A few weeks after the writs had been issued Mallister died suddenly. Scully's statement also relates conversations with' others connected with the trial, who alleged that the police evidence had been rigged.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

Received August 21, 11.30 p.m. Sydney, August 21. Scully was further cross-examined on his written,statement to Judd. He denied or qualified nearly every vital detail reflecting against the detectives, on the ground that literary inability led him to express himself in wrong terms. —(Press Assoc.

INTERNED IRISHMEN. Sydney, August 21. At the inquiry into the jntevnal Irishmen, a letter was read stating that every man in Ireland was drilled and well armed, and another revolution was expected at the first favorable opportu-nity.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assoc.

WAR PROPAGANDA. Melbourne, August 21. Mr. Walt announced that tlie Government had established a directorate of educational war propaganda, with the object of directing attention to the issues of peace and war as they aii'ected Australia.

STATE GOVERNOR ABOLITION. Sydney, August 21. In the Assembly, Mr. Estell introduced a motion providing for a referendum to be taken on a proposal for the abolition of the office of State Governor. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

PREMIER'S LIBEL ACTION. London, August 20. Mr. Hughes has announced that the Commonwealth Government has accepted full financial and other responsibility for defending the action for libel brought against Mr. Hughes by Merlon's Metal Company.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.