AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1920, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

A DRAMATIC DEATH. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Jan. 7. The death is announced of Sir Edmund Barton, aged 70 years, for years one of the great figures of .Australian politics. His death was dramatically sudden. He had been in indifferent health for some time and was recuperating at the Hydro Majestic at Medlow. He went for a bath, which was always a lengthy process, and no alarm was felt till attempts to open the door failed. Entrance was gained by a window, and it was found that, after finishing his bath and dressing in his pyjamas, he had collapsed behind the door and died of heart failure. There are widespread tributes, describing him as a great legislator, a pioneer Federationist, and a great lawyer. LIQUOR IN NORTHERN TERRITORY., Darwin, Jan. 8. After a public meeting where the State monopoly of the liquor trade • in the Northern Territory was roundly condemned, a deputation waited on the Administrator and urged that hotel hours be extended as before the war, and that more hotels and a brewery be provided. The speakers stated that sly-grog-ging was rampant and that liquor of an atrocious character was sold at exorbitant prices with the full knowledge of the police and authorities. The result was that deaths from delirium tremens were alarmingly frequent. One speaker advocated a local brewery because it would do much towards populating the Territory with whites. The Administrator promised longer hours, lower prices, and improved quality of liquor.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WHEAT HARVEST. Adelaide, Jan. 8. An official forecast puts tiie wheat harvest at 15,250,750 bushels. RAINS IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, Jan. a Torrential rains continue throughout the State. AUSTRALIAN NOTE ISSUE. Melbourne, Jan. 8. The note issue is now £56,603,074, and the gold reserve £28,911,527.