AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1919, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE DROUGHT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Sydney, Nov. 12. Mr. Wragge predicts a steady falling oft in the rainfall in Australia alter 1920,. reaching a maximum drought in the years 1923-4. Then the rains will be good, but tliere will lie a serious drought again in 1926-30. Mr. Douglas Archibald, a well-known English meteorologist, predicts acute drought conditions (tstween 1020-24, continuing with more or less intensity Until 1037.—Au5.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PAYMENTS TO LABOR. Sydney, Nov. 12. Tho secretary of the Labor Council considers that the palliatives suggested In yesterday's report of the Employers'' Conference would only restrict to a greater measure the output of labor, because the knowledge would be increasing among the workers that they being deprived of a large portion "I *l)6 value of their labor. He favthe suggested payment by results. Workers should get the Ml value of their labor and liowjng should be deducted for any other purpose.—Aus.N,Z, Cable Assn. THE SOLDIERS' GRATUITY. Sydney, Nov. 12. Blinkers express surprise at Mr. I Hughes' announcement that soldiers' bonds will be cashable over the counter. They declare that this Is impossible under the present financial conditions. Any attempt to inflate or extend the note issue to meet the case will be almost courting disaster. CHILD MAINTENANCE BILL. Sydney, Nov. 12. The Legislative Council decided to submit tho Child Maintenance Bill to ft select committee. The Government hopes that thereby the present impasse will be overcome.