AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

PRICE-FIXING COMMISSION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Sydney, Sept. 10. The president of the Necessary Commodities Commission, replying to the Premier's criticism about the butter increase, said that the threats to remove the commission had placed them in an invidious position, as future decisions, if favorable to the Government, would be interpreted as yielding to the Gov-ernment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ' Assn. DEFENCE PROPOSALS. Melbourne, Sept. 10. Mr. Hughes, outlining the defence policy in the House of Representatives, said that a "wliite" Australia, rhich was of vital importance to the nation, might be a Bource of complications. The Government was placing £500,000 on the estimates for military aviation. Naval and military expenditure will be considerably reduced and preference given to a lighter type of vessel. An amendment of the Defence Act is contemplated in the direction of altering the basis of compulsory training. The expenditure for 1520-21 will be: Naval, £3,950,000; military, £3,250,000; aviation, £BOO,OOO. The total will be £7,809,000, against a total of £4,045,000 in 1913-14.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, NO SATURDAY WORK. Sydney, Sept. 10. The Federal Government has notified the employees of the Garden Island and Cockatoo docks that they will close the yards if they cease work on Saturday. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable ABsn. RECOVERY FROM DROUGHT. Sydney, Sept. 10. As the result of further helpful Tains since the drought broke, stock reports throughout the State, with few exceptions are of a most heartening character. Feed and water are plentiful and stock are rapidly recovering condition. Re-stocking is progressing satisfactorily. Shearing reports indicate that the wool is somewhat tender and dirty, owing to the long-continued dry spell that preceded the raine. Reports from the agricultural areas are equally cheering. The wheat outlook is most pomising, and an excellent yield is anticipated in many areas if the favorable weather continues. Already inquiries for new wheat are being received from overseas, and the Government is being urged to make forward preparations to handle a lage harvest in order to secure tlie advantage of the world's high values.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.