AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GRAFT INQUIRY REPORT. By Telegraph,—Press Assn.—Copyright, Sydney, Deo. 22. Judge Pring reported that he was unable to state the real facts definitely, but he completely exonerates Messrs. Mutch and Dooley from complicity in knowledge of Talbota' £SOO. None of the three endeavored to influence the Government in connection with the Wheat Commission, but it is by no means certain that Johnston gave a full and truthful account of the dealings between himself and Talbot, who. Judge Pring adds, was quite unreliable and would not hesitate to descend to corrupt practices to gain his own ends. THE SAVED GRAIN. Sydney, Dec. 22. Mr. Dunn estimates that 40 million bushels of wheat will be millable, as much which was thought lost has been found recoverable by the latest methods c.f harvesting, but probably (he f.a.q. standard will be reduced from 81 or 621bs to 58 or ofllbs. A considerable quantity of bleached grain will also be harvested. DEARER BREAD AND FLOUR. Melbourne, Dec. 22. The master bakers have increased the price of bread 2'/j.d for the 41b loaf. Millers are increasing flour from £l7 to £2l. FAIR PROFITS COMMISSION. The chairman of the Fair Profits Commission, commenting at the last sitting of the Commission, which has expired, regretted the cessation of control, which was necessary in many cases for the protection of the public. HIGHER STEAMER FARES. Sydney, Dec. 22. Steamer fares from Sydney to Singapore have been increased from £72 to £9O.