AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1922, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MR. HUGHES AT BENDIGO 1 , r .. J By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, Sept. 9. Mr. W. M. Hughes announced to a meeting of his constituents at Bendigo that he was unable again to offer himself as a candidate for Bendigo. STEAMER FARES RAISED. , Sydney, Sept. 9. The Oceanic Co/s fares will be increased after next Wednesday from £6O to £67, first-class; £4O to £46 15s, second; £27 to .£2B 10s, third. FEDERAL POLITICS. Melbourne, -Sept. 9.- . In the House of Representatives, Mr. Mahoney moved in committee of supply that the amount be reduced £1 protest against the Government’s action in disposing of wooden ships for £lO,000- without inviting tenders. The amendment was lost by 29 votes to 15. COMMONWEALTH STATISTICS. Sydney, Sept. 8. Official statistics show the population of the Commonwealth at the end of 1921 totalled 5,510,229, compared with 4,573,868 at the end of 1911. Births during 1921 numbered 126,198, or 24.95 per 1000. Deaths numbered 4,076, or 9.91 per 1000. The death rate was lower than in any, other country excepting New Zealand. Heart, disease accounted for 9.6, cancer 8.8, tuberculosis 6.8 per cent. The deaths included 23 centenarians, the oldest being 104. There were 1465 cases of multiple births, including a dozen triplets. Marriage statistics show that the ages of brides ranged from 12 to -83. One bridegroom had reached 93 before he made the venture. THE WOOL TOPS CASE. Sydney, Sept. 9. The hearing of the wool tops case has been finished after 58 days, and Mr. Justice Isaacs will give his decision in due course on the facts and refer the questions of law to the full High Court. FROM BRITAIN BY AIR. Sydfiey, Sept. 9. Sir Keith Smith says that one of the large British war airships will visit Australia in 1923. It is expected to have a weekly service from* Sydney to London by 1925, the journey occupying twelve days. Sir Keith explained that a private company with a capital of four millions was in course of formation. The British and Indian Governments had decided to support the scheme, which was now awaiting the support of the Commonwealth.