AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1921, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CRIPPLING INDUSTRY. By Telegraph.—Press Sydney, Dec. 30. Statistics show that Victoria and other States are exporting iron and steel into New South Wales at the expense of the latter’s industries, which are stated to be crippled by the high wages and shorter hours ruling. From July to December, 1919, the importations amounted to 555 tons, and they increased to 1145 tons during July-De-cember, 1921. The unions are eagerly watching for a notification of the resumption of the engineering workshops at the New’ Year, failing which it is estimated that 20,000 men engaged in engineering will be unemployed. AUSTRALIAN COINAGE. Melbourne, Dec. 30. Negotiations have been re-opened with the Imperial authorities for a further withdrawal of English silver coin in circulation in Australia. Before the war it was withdrawn to the extent of £lOO,OOO per annum. The/ withdrawals ceased in lffls owing to the insufficient supply of Australian coins, which has now increased. NEW SOUTH WALES ORCHESTRA. Sydney, Dec. 30. The State orchestra sailed for New Zealand on Thursday. It is announced that Mr. Verbrugghen is going for six months’ recuperative leave immediately the New Zealand tour is concluded. His medical advisers recommended a visit to Europe. His friends ’fear that he will not return to Australia. The orchestral guarantee' fund committee is sceptical and has applied to the Government for the refund of tljb £5OOO guarantee. THE NEW HEBRIDES. Melbourne, Dec. 30. The proposal made to the Federal Government to acquire a considerably area in the New Hebrides from a French land company has been definitely dropped. In view’ of the opposition shown when the matter was before Parliament Mr. Hughes did not press it and allowed the session to end without proceeding further with it. THE WHEAT BOARD. Melbourne, Dee. 30. The Australian Wheat Board reports that nearly 50 millions have been paid to growers. During the year the Boar! received 1’33,342,000 bushels, equivalent to tons. SYDNEY TRAMWAYS. Sydney, Dee. 30. The figures foy the tramway traffic during the Christmas holidays disclose a falling off in fares amounting to £4'384. ' . THE FRUIT POOL. Melbourne, Dec. 30. The Commonwealth Government has increased the amount involved in the fruit pool from £7'50,000 to £-1,000,000. and has also granted freight concessions. FLOODS IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, Dec. 30. Floods interrupted traffic in Queensland. The town of Chinchilla is under water, and the people are seeking refuge in trees. Considerable damage has . been done, and the trams are unable to move on either side<_ to town till the waters recede.