AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, April 7. The Cabinet again discussed the political situation. It is understood that certain negotiations are in progress, but there were no developments at a late hour. The last election return hasbeen received and makes Labor 43 members, anti-Labor 45. N.S.W. VITAL STATISTICS. Sydney, April 8. The Government Statistician reports that the population of the State is 2,000,173. The birth-rate in 1019 was 24.7 per 1000, the lowest on record. THE FIVE-DAY WEEK. Sydney, April S. The Industrial Court dismissed tiie application by the master builders calling upon the Brick-layers' Union to show cause why it should not be dealt with for refusing to work on Saturdays as the summons was improperiy issued. Leave was given to issue a fresh summons.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE COST OF BUILDING. Sydney, April 8. Before the Basic Wage Commission evidence was given that the chief cause of the increased cost of building was the smaller amount of work done. Six years ago a bricklayer laid 900 to 1000 bricks, whjle he now considered 350 to 400 a good day's work, for which he received 18s to £l.