AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1921, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

TEACHERS ORGANISING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Jan. 6. At the inter-State conference of public school teachers, a sub-committee on the question of a Federal organisation suggested that there should be a provisional council, consisting of three representatives of each State, including New Zealand, and one from each department (primary, secondary and technical), its objects being to promote the interests of education and safeguard the interests of teachers. BETTING MANIA. Sydney, Jan. 6. Treasury officials estimate that during the past financial year betting transaction with bookmakers on racecourses amounted to £15,000,000. It is estimated that the totalisator investments for the same period amounted to £lOOOO,OOO.

WHEAT CROP PROSPECTS. Melbourne, Jan. 6. It is anticipated that the State wheat harvest will exceed the estimate of 42,000,000 bushels by 3,000,000 bushels. NEW SOUTH WALES FOOD PRICES. Sydney, Jan. 6. The Government statistician reports that in 1920 food prices were 85.80 per cent higher than in 1914. INDUSTRIAL PROSPECTS BLACK. Adelaide, Jan. 6. Speaking at Victor Harbor, the Premier said that the financial outlook was uncertain and industrial prospects black. There was a small section of the community who were deliberately conspiring to dislocate industry and produce widespread misery and distress. The Government intended to use every power to defeat and destroy revolutionary forces.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REDUCED COAL OUTPUT. Sydney, Jan. 6. The coal owners are concerned at the continued reduction in output. In 1913 the output was 12,600,000 tons, but in 1919 it was 9,000,000 tons. The number of men had increased by 1267 during the same period. The output per man in 1913’. was 553 tons; in 1919 it was 540; and in 1920 it was 490. The • working hours average six per day. The output is 6,000,000 tons below market requirements and 1,000,000 tons below the Australian consumption. — N.Z. Cable Assn.

A'DISAPPOINTED POLITICIAN. Brisbane, Jan. 6. Mr. Con Wallace, who resigned West Sydney for Mr. Ryan at the Federal elections, has resigned the position of shipipng master at Brisbane, to which he was appointed by the Queensland Government, on the gioimds that the salary is inadequate. RENT REDUCTION. Sydney, Jan. 6. The Fair Rents Courts during the year reduced rents in 146 cases and increased them in 243 cases. A NEW STATE SUGGESTED. Sydney, Jan. 6. It is suggested that the Riverina, following the lead of the Northern Tablelands, should agitate for a n separate State or become attached to Victoria. A section of the Melbourne press is giving prominence to the question, but there is nothing definite otherwise.