AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1921, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

LABOR NEWSPAPERS CONDEMNED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Brisbane, Nov. 1. The Trades Council passed a resolution of no confidence in the proposed chain of Labor dailies throughout the Commonwealth. LIVING WAGE REDUCTION. Sydney, Oct. 31. In the Arbitration Court Judge Rolin ruled that the new declaration by the Board of Trade, reducing the living wage by 3s takes the place of the old living wage declaration. This means that applications by employers for a reduction in wages may be granted. Accordingly applications by the textile manufacturers, and Hoskins Ltd., iron and -steel industries, for a reduction of wages of 3s weekly were granted. MT. MULLIGAN EXPLOSION. Brisbane, Oct. 31. Giving evidence at the Mount Mulligan inquiry Mr. Smith, Government geologist, said that if gas was present in the mine at the time of the explosion it would have been discovered to-day. He expressed the opinion that explosives had been carelessly handled in the mine. ALLEGED MUNICIPAL BRIBERY. Sydney, Nov. 1. Persistent rumors circulating in civic circles for some time have been brought to a head by the definite statement that one aiderman in the City Council has accepted £5O as an instalment of £7OO to be paid as commission if a certain woodblock contract is engineered through the council. It is understood that Cabinet is considering the appointment of a Roval Commission. An action for libel is also contemplated.