AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1919, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

SOLDIERS' GRATUITY. , By Telegraphs-Press Assn.—Copyright. Brisbane, October 22. Mr Hughes, speaking at his welcome, said that the Government proposed to pay soldiers a war gratuity of Is 6d per day in bonds bearing interest at 4J per cent., not negotiable and not transferable. Special arrangements would be made for redemption in the case of hardship. The indemnity, which would be paid before May next, would be used to redeem from 20 to 40 per cent of the value of the bonds, which would then *«} paid in cash. The scheme will involve a liability of from £23,000,000 to £25,000,000.~Au5.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE NORTHERN TERRITORY. Melbourne, October 22. In the Senate, Mr Ferricks, referring to the Darwin trouble, said it was caused by the general belief that Dr. Gilruth was interested in the Vestey Meat Trust, and that Mr Carey and other officials appointed on Dr. Gilruth's advice were equally interested. CHILDREN'S ENDOWMENT BILL. Sydney, October 22. . The Assembly passed the second reading of the Children's Endowment Bill by 43 votes tp 31, Mr Holman stating that the Government would fall or stand by the Bill.

NEW SOUTH WALES WHEAT. Sydney, October 22. The statistician estimates that there are under wheat 2,331,100 acres, a decrease of 235,680 acres compared with last season. MANUFACTURE OF PAPER. Sydney, October 22. At the Country Press Conference Mr. Holnmn stated that the Government intended to erect plant immediately to experiment with the manufacture of paper from local timbers. THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY. Melbourne, October 22. Re-allotment of portfolios is announced as follows: Mr Clarke, Public Works; Mr Robinson, Attorney*, General; Mr Lawson, Lands. ' NAURU ISLAND AGREEMENT. Melbourne, October 22. .. Mr E., J. Buspell promised the closest inquiry into the Nauru Island agreement. The Entertainment Tax Amendment Bills were passed. A Bill providing for preferential voting for the Senate passed all stages. _• MR. HUGHES IN QUEENSLAND. Received Oct. 22, 8.10 p.m. Brisbane, Oct. 22. Mr. Hughes is visiting Queensland. He received enthusiastic receptions in the various towns, with counterblasts in favor of Mr. Ryan, whom the Opposition supporters prophetically hail as the new Prime Minister.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asßn. WHARF LABORERS' STRIKE. Received Oct. 22, S.lO p.m. Sydney, Oct. 22. The loading of wool ships has stopped owing to the dumpers demanding an increase in wages from Is IOJd to 2/3 per hour.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANZAC MEMORIAL HALL. Received Oct. 22, S.lO p.m. Sydney, Oct. 22. An influential movement has been launched, with the object of providing an Anzac memorial hall for the use of returned soldiers and sailors, and to establish a fund sufficient to provide bursaries for orphans of those who fell in the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.