AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

SCARCITY OF HOUSES. By Telefraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, April 15. The Basic Wage Commission is piling up evidence of the scarcity of houses in the Metropolitan area where they arc practically unprocurable, though big bonuses are offered. There has been a big advance in rent and the prices of land and houses, and instances have been given where both the latter have been doubled since 1914. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A CHARGE OF MURDER. Sydney, April 15. George Dias has been committed for trial on a charge of the murder of his wife. CLAIM FOR LOST SHIP. Port Moresby, April 15. The Papuan authorities were awarded £10,559 against, the British New Guinea Development Company in connection with the loss of the ship Merrie England at Port Moresby in March, 1919, through the company's negligence in dealing with an explosive substance. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

INFLUENZA COMPENSATION. CLAIMS. Sydney, April 15. Claims for compensation against the Government arising out of the influenza epidemic amount to £450,000. COASTAL SHIPPING COMPANIES. Sydney, April 15. The Federal Government is considering claims for compensation by steamship companies for laying up the coastal fleets during the marine engineers' strike. The companies claim that, had it been permitted, they could have provided crews for the vessels.

PAPUAN ADMINISTRATION. Sydney, April 15. Captain Fitch, managing director of the Steamship Trading Company, who has arrived from Papua, states that the recent agitation there, resulting from a meeting asking for the recall of the Administrator, Judge Murray, was largely due to the Administrator's Native policy, "which is alleged to favor missions to the disadvantage pf the commercial community.

THE 44-HOUR WFF.K. Sydney, April 15. A manifesto issued by the Trades Union Congress in support of the -14hour week states that though the eight-hour day was secured in ISSC. workers lmve since marked time and have failed to secure one hour additional leisure, despite the fact that they are directly responsible for the commercial developments which have reduced the cost of production of commodities and services.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. Sydney, April 15. Edward Kavanagli, former president of the Labor Council, ha,- been appointed Vice-President of the Executive Council and deader of the Government in the Uppor House. Mr. Fuller lias been elected leader of the Nationalist Party, and has decided to approach the Progressives with a view to co-operation.

STATE SHIPBUILDING. Melbourne, April 15. Replying 1 to a deputation of unionists urging the Government to arrange further shipbuilding contracts, Mr. Poynton stated that the Ministry had decided to build eleven ships of 12.800 ton 3 each, and to maintain a fortnightly service to the United Kingdom. The Ministry's policy was to continue building, but it must have a continued guarantee from the unions.