AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1922, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

I zxTK BENTS COURT, ■■■ -"-i By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, May 18. The quarterly sessions of the Appeal Court, in refusing an appeal against the decision of the Fair Rents Court, ruled that the latter's decisions were final. THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS. Melbourne, May 18. It is announced that Mr. McPherson, Treasurer, is standing for the new Federal seat at Deakin, and it is also thought that Mr. Watt has his eyes on it. A MYSTERIOUS DISEASE. Brisbane, May 18. Out of nine cases of children admitted to the hospital with a mysterious brain disease seven have proved fatal. The condition of one is most serious, while the other is likely to recover. LOAN FOR SCHOOLS REPAIRS. Sydney, May 18. Mr. Bruntell is advocating a special educational loan of one million for school renovations and repairs. Mapy buildings are said to be in a deplorable condition. BUILDERS’ LABORERS OUSTED. Sydney, May 18. Owing to the Federal arbitration award bringing the wages of builders’ laborers within seven shillings of those of carpenters the master -builders have decided to dispense with the former 1 and employ carpenters, except in the case of pick and shovel men. THE MISSING MANUREWA. Sydney, May 18. The Abemama arrived at Yamba, at the mouth of the Clarence River on Wednesday after having been blown north a considerable distance by boisterous southerly winds. It is thought that the Manurewa should have encountered the same winds. A suggestion has been made that a seaplane shorrid search in case the vessel is disabled out of the track of other vessels. MINISTERIAL CARS. Sydney, May 18. Following considerable controversy during the past two years respecting the cost of Ministerial motor-cars, a committee appointed by the Cabinet recommended that six care be dispensed with, but the six Ministers affected will be provided with a special vote, whereby taxis may be hired when necessary. The committee made the recommendation that the scheme be given six months’ trial. FARMING PROSPECTS. Sydney, May 18. Mr. F. A, Mackenzie, president of the Pastures Protection Board, at the annual conference, said the industry was favored 'by a good average season, and the little anxiety which existed was dispelled by the March rainfall, though prospects in the west and north-west were not bright. The depression in the meat market was reflected in the cattle market and had brought down the value of stud stock and all classes of breeding animals. A ray of sunshine permeated the wool sales. Merinos and croeebreds were in excellent demand. There were brighter prospects when the B.A.W.R.A. accumulations had disappeared. RESTRAINT OF TRADE. Sydney, May 17. The High Court delivered a decision which will have an important effect on co-operative companies as regard restraint of trade. The Court upset the Lower Court’s decisions and held that where a cooperative company binds its members to supply all their produce to the company for a long period the rate is invalid and in restraint of trade, unless the member can cease to be a member whenever he pleases. In this case defendant’s shares were not fully paid up and he could not get out when he pleased. The decision is the first of its kind given in Australia by the High Court. THE BASIC WAGE. Sydney, May 18. Cabinet decided that the regulations gazetting the new wage were insufficient and accordingly decided to approach the Arbitration Court for an award of £3 18s from July 1. It is understood a move will be made to secure a reduction in the cost of commodities and public utilities, particularly where the cost had been previously increased on account of increased wages. Indications point to a steady drop in prices. Figures prepared by the Board of Trade statistician show that a typical group of men’s clothing and boots cost £l7 9s in January, 1921, and now £l3 14s; women’s ditto have been reduced from £27 Is to £l.B 10s, food and groceries from £2 Is 7d to £1 9s (id. Rents have slightly in crowed.