AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1921, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

TIMBER DUTIES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, June 24. In the House of Representatives during the tariff debate a strong fight was made against increasing the duties on imported timbers. The Minister for Customs proposed an increase in the present duty of Is to 3s or 4s per 100 super feet. Eventually the Minister's proposal was adopted regarding certain classes of timber including New Zealand white pine undressed, not elsewhere included for use in the manufacture of butter boxes. REDUCED FREIGHTS’ QUESTION. Melbourne, June 25. The manager of the Commonwealth steamers, questioned respecting the New Zealand proposal for amalgamation to reduce freights, stated that he was aware of the suggestion made that the New Zealand Government should contribute to the enlargement of the Commonwealth Line, but so far negotiations had not been commenced. WAR ON CAPITALISM. Melbourne, June 25. A deputation to Mr. Cook from the Labor Congress on the question of unemployment asserted that there are 50.000 idle throughout Australia. Mr. Cook offered no practical relief, explaining that he was at his wits’ end to own financing. The Labor Congress adopted a scheme declaring war on the capitalistic system and urging its overthrow per medium of one comprehensive workers’ union throughout Australia, embracing every industry and controlled by a council of action.

The congress also? decided in favor of self-determination for Ireland.