AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1921, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BRISBANE TRAMWAYS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Brisbane, Feb. 1. Mr. Theodore states that the tramway company’s claim for compensation is excessive, and no business can be done on that basis. He is unable to say what the next step will be. z It is understood that the claim involves three millions. PREMIER -OPPOSES BASIC WAGE. Melbourne, Feb. 2. Mr. Hughes told a deputation seeking j the adoption of the basic wage recommendation that Cabinet had no intention of giving effect to the recommendation. In the first place the Commonwealth had no power to fix a basic wage for Australia and could no.t legislate in that direction. Secondly, the wealth produced would not enable the payment of rates. Thirdly, the Government disagreed with the contention that the rates Applicable to a married man with a family should apply to single men.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE LIQUOR REFERENDUM. Sydney, Feb 2. A prohibition rally at the Town Hall passed a resolution of emphatic protest against the postponement of the referendum on the liquor question, declaring that the action was unconstitutional, undemocratic, and an example of lawlessness to be strongly condemned. A feature of the demonstration was the reading by the chairman of a letter from Mr Holman, wishing the meeting success, supporting its and condemning the Government, which had flouted the law.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.