AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1921, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

REPORT ON WHEAT COMMISSION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Sydney, Dec. 14. Mr. Justice Pring’s report on the Wfreat Commission states that he believes Talbot paid moneys for illicit purposes. Gebrgeson knew what was being done and was equally culpable. He deliberately refrained from giving any information and sheltered himself under his alleged loss of memory. Mr. Justcie Pring is unable to suggest that Grahame’s story is untrue, he having no means of checking it. He became Minister in 1915 and was worth then £BOOO. In 1919 he was worth £16,764. Nd doubt the statement was true that he won big sums by betting, but. the spectacle of a Minister frequenting racecourses and gambling for large sums was not edifying. THE FRUIT POOL. Melbourne, Dec. 114 Notwithstanding the refusal of the State Government to share in the fruit pool, Mr. Hughes is proceeding with the formation of the pool. BRITISH COAL COMPETITION. Sydney, Dec. 14. Shipping companies find that coal can be landed in Australia from Britain cheaper than Newcastle coal. It is also more profitable for steamers to carry coal cargoes than ballast. Two large coal cargoes have already been landed, and others are en route. The northern colliery owners rejected the miners’ claims reducing the working fortnight to nine days, adding that if the employees’ claims were granted it would be the most serious attack on the management and control of the industry yet attempted.