AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GENERAL ITEMS. , 5y Telegraph.—Press Assa.—Copyright. Received Oct. 10, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Oct. 0. A train from Wallsend, near .Newcastle, failed to climb an incline near Broadmeadow, and slipped back downhill, telescoping the train following. Twelve passengers were injured. Brisbane, Oct. 10. The State elections polling proceeded with a total absence of excitement for which the closing of the hotels was considered largely responsible. The figures so far are incomplete, but they are unfavorable for Labor, showing the loss of several seats. Melbourne, Oct. 10. Fire destroyed Hoadley's chocolate factory at South Melbourne, the damage totalling £IOO,OOO. t Sydney, Oct. 9. The Chief Justice declined to accede to the Government's request to make available a judge to inquire into the question of the proposed increase in the salaries of members of Parliament. The refusal was grounded on a contention that the judiciary should not be involved in political matters. The works of Wright and Bruce, woolscourers at Botany, were destroyed by fire. The damage amounts to £50,000. Police figures show that sly grog convictions for the year ended June 30 totalled 147 and the fines aggregated £5531. The waterside and transport workers are conferring with Mr. Hughes on October 12 with a view to abolishing labor bureaus on the water-front. Failing satisfaction, it is understood, deep-sea vessels entering Sydney will be boycotted. In consequence of the Barrier award, smelters are re-starting the Sulphide Corporation's ore-works at Cockle Creek. Mr. W. Hill was presented with an illuminated address at the natation banquet. The weather is dull and muggy for the races. Slight showers occurred overnight. The Premier has agreed to a Premiers' Conference at the end of October to deal with the wheat problem and the world's parity. A meeting of citizens at Melbourne pressed on the Lord Mayor a suggestion that, in memory of the great Australian victory of August, 11)18, at V'illers Bretonneiix, Melbourne citizens should adopt Villers Bretonneux and become responsible for the restoration of the town. ' One of the largest insolvency schedules filed in recent years at Melbourne is that of Robert W. Matthews, importer. His debts total £73,686, and his assets £22,882. Bankrupt's statement candidly admits that he obtained money for investment by representing that investments had produced profits, whereas he at all times knew that the transactions were fictitious and there were no such profits. .■-Aus.-N.Z, Cable Attn.