AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1921, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

DAVIS CUP CHALLENGE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Feb. 5. The Tennis Association has cabled the United States Association, conveying a challenge for the Davis Cup. Brookes has been appointed sole selector for the Australasian team, which will comprise three players. WORKERS’ CONFERENCE Sydney, Feb. 5. The Australian Workers’ Conference adopted a resolution in opposition to Imperial Federation, also that Ireland and all other nations have a right to determine their own form of government. EXCESS DUTY DISCUSSED. Sydney, Feb. 5. The Chamber of Commerce discussed a suggestion by the Minister of Customs for adjusting the conversion basis formerly adopted for the assessment of duty and the question of refunds. It was decided to withdraw writs issued by merchants for the recovery of the excess duty paid under protest. The Minister’s suggestion was that refunds be made of overpaid duty on goods unsold in warehouses on the date of the High Court’s decision on December 8, and that all other transactions prior to this decision be wiped off the slate. BEQUESTS TO PROMOTE VIRILITY. Sydney, Feb. 5. The will of the late Peter Mitchell provides, out of a large estate, substantial monetary prizes for 15 young women and 10 young men whp by competition prove most- fit physically, educationally, and morally under carefully prescribed conditions. The first stipulation for the woman is that by physical excellence, goodness, general health, intellect and cheerfulness of disposition she is calculated to bear and rear normal children. The object of the prizes is to enable the capable, healthy and strong to develop and benefit from their natural advantages. Prizes are also provided for conipetitions for the naval, military, and police forces.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ESMONDE STILL DETAINED. Sydney, Feb. 5. Mr. Esmonde is still detained on board the Makura awaiting her departure, which depends upon the settlement of the shipping trouble.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. COAL MINERS’ AWARD. Sydney, Feb. 5. Judge Hibble has issued a new award for employees in coal mines throughout the Commonwealth. The adult day wage of employees is 16s 6d. Provision is made for a 174 per cent, increase on the rates prior to September to pick miners, machine-men, and others. The further claims of miners for a six-hour day, a five-day week, etc., have not yet been considered. The new award will have little effect on the prevailing rates. PROFITEERING CASE. Sydney, Feb. 5. A case before the Profiteering Court is held up pending the decision of the Supreme Court whether the person who offers an article for sale can be termed the seller. A firm was charged with having sold a sideboard at 90 per cent, profit.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.