AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION. By Telegraph.—Press Asari —Copyright. Sydney, April 10. Commercial aviation was advanced a further step in Australia by the completion of a flight of an Avro machine with a passenger from Melbourne to Sydney in nine hours. The machine will return to-morrow with another passenger.

WOMEN'S BASIC WAGE. Sydney, April 1!?; A meeting of the Government Service Women's Federation decided to urge the Government to establish a board of women to determine the basic wage of women throughout the Commonwealth. DROUGHT IN N.S.W. Sydney, April II). Official reports show that drought conditions continue in the western districts, the north-west plains and slopes, parts of the Riverina country, and the south-west slopes. The recent rains have not been sufficient to relieve the situation, the crops are largely a failure, the herbage scant and much'hand-feeil-ing is necessary. There have been heavy losses of stock, ploughing is delayed and tile outlook for the winter igloomy unless there are good rains soonIn other districts, particularly in the coastal areas, crops and other conditions are generally favorable.

THE FIVE-DAY WEEK. Melbourne, April 10. The building trade employees rejected a proposal to resume work on the basis of a 44-hour week, refusing to return unless a 40-hours' week was granted. The employers decided to institute a lockout and to place an embargo on the supply of building' materials to all mas-ter-builders.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

REGULAR SHIPPING SERVICES. Received April 10, 9.-10 p.m. Sydney, April 10. Shipowners have been notified that the British Ministry of Shipping will be abolished at the end of August. The P. and 0. Company and the Orient Company are preparing to resumfc regular services.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn