AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1922, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, Jan. 17. The premiers’ Conference opened today, all the State leaders being present except Mr. Dooley, the New South Wales Premier

The conference opened with a discussion on the question of unification of railway gauges. The proposal is that an immediate start be made with linking up the capitals of the States and converting all the broad-gauge railways in Victoria and South Australia, at an estimated total cost of £-21,600,000. The advantages that would accrue in the way of general convenience, development of settlement, promotion of immigration, absorption of unemployed, and the defence standpoint were strongly urged. Victoria and South Australia are opposed to the scheme in its present form, chiefly on the ground that the early stages of conversation would them more than the other States and their railway experts consequently do not favor it. The conference also discussed various immigration proposals. STANDARDISATION OB' MATERIALS. Melbourne, Jan. 18. The Institute of Science is arranging for a conference of interests concerned in the standardisation of materials manufactured in Australia. Already a considerable amount has been done in this direction, but it is claimed that if thoroughly organised it would mean the saving of millions of pounds annually. EXORBITANT POSTAGE RATES. Melbourne, Jan. IS. The Postmaster-General is taking steps to secure a revision of the exorbitant postal rates on newspapers sent to foreign countries, imposed by the Madrid Postal Convention. Efforts are directed to secure reversion to the old charges. MILITARY TRAINING FOR BOYS. Sydney, Jan. 18. As proof of the value of military training of boys, the official figures show that ir 1911, when compulsory training was inaugurated, 25 per cent, w'&re physically unfit to undergo even the smallest amount of citizens’ military training. In 1915 the percentage was reduced to 21 and the latest report gives it as 10 per cent.