AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 October 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

GENERAL NEWS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Eeceivod Oct. 22, 1.25 a.m. Melboure, Oct. 21. Voting in the State elections proceeded steadily throughout the day, and keen interest was taken in the local option, poll. As the election* are on the preferential system the counting of votes will be a slow process. No reliable figures are available up to a very lato hour, and it will be days before finality is readied on either the political or the liquor issues. The Government's return to power is considered certain. The Senate has passed a Bill increasing the Federal income Uv 5 per cent. Brisbane, Oct. 21. The mangled body of a man named Robert William Seddon was found on the railway at Clayfield. He is supposed to be a relative to the late Mr, Richard Seddon,

Melbourne, Oct. 21. The House of Representatives is discussing Mr. Tudor's censure motion condemning the Government for not fulfilling its promise to pav 5s a bushel for wheat.

Sydney, Oct. 21. Both parties to the municipal strike at Broken Hill compromised as to the increase in wages and work has been, resumed.

Sydney, Oct. 21. In the Assembly Air. Storey stated that judges of the Supreme Court bench had been separately asked to undertake a commission to investigate legislators' claim for increased salary, but endorsing the attitude of the * Chief Justice, all had refused to act. The recently declared increase in the basic wage canie into operation to-day. The racer Checkmate, which has just arrived from New Zealand, has been sold to a Westralian buyer. The price is not stated.

Sydney, Oct. 21. The Country Press Conference affirmed the desirableness of the manufacture of newsprint in Australia and resolved to do all in its power to assist an approved movement to that end, both financially and as consumers of the pro-duct.—Aus.-X.Z. Cable Assn.

MR. WATT'S RESIGNATION. Melbourne, Oct. 20. The House was crowded to hear Mr. W. A. Watt's statement regarding his resignation from the Ministry and his official position in London. A section of Labourites attempted to block in order to proceed with discussion of Mr. Tudor's censure motion, but, on the motion of Mr. Hughes, the Standing Orders were suspended for Mr. Watt to make his statement, which amounted to an elaboration of the published London cables and a reading of cables on the subject which had passed between Mr. Hughes and Mr. Watt. It served to confirm that Mr.'Watt's resignation was a protest against Mr. Hughes practically over-riding him in the wool sale negotiations, with which his special mission to London was associated. Mr. Watt severaly criticised that they resulted in a loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds. At the same time he disclaimed that he had returned to ventilate personal or official grievances or to pursue a vendetta against Mr. Hughes.

Mr. Hughes, replying to Mr.' Watt said that, even if he did meddle with Mr. Watt's business; that was no reason for resigning. He should have completed his task and complained on returning _to Australia. No Government could give the authority demanded by Mr Watt. His request involved a principle which abrogated the very basis of responsible government. The matter then dropped. The general impression of Mr. Watt's speech is disappointment. It is su»gested in some quarters that his* resignation arose through the clashing of two strongly egoistic personalities.-Aus.-NZ Cable Assn.

AMERICAN LOANS. , 0 . . Melbourne, Oct. 21. •■" Joseph Cook, referring to the suggested American loan, safd it was interesting, but he would like to know the rate ot interest and conditions. .-.., „, Sydney, Oct. 21. ■Mr. .Storey, questioned in the Assembly respecting American loans, said he would consider the matter if the terms were favourable, but had no intention ot acting at present.