AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8266, 20 October 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN NEW

GUINEA

VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS OPEN UP.

Received October 26, 12.5 a.m. SYDNEY, Ootober 19

News from New Guinea states that severe earthquake shocks were experienced in September and early in Ootober. No serious damage is reported. Volcanic mountains near Finch Haven opened up.during the shocks, and great gaps can be seen in the mountain sides. About the middle of September a tidal wave evidently the outcome of tie submarine disturbance devastated the coastal villages in the vicinity of Finch Haven, but as the natives bad timely warning they escaped to the highlands without loss of life. S

TAXING RACING CLUBS,

Received Ootober 19, 10.7 a.m. j MELBOURNE, Ootober 19. Mr Bant, the State Premier, proposes some drastic amendments in the Gaming Suppression Bill, including the licensing of racecourses at £1 per annum and taxing the gross > revenue of racing clubs for obarit able purposes. Clubs with a revenue up to £6OO will, if the amendments are adopted, have to pay 3jper cent.; from £6OO to £I,OOO, 4 percent.; from £I,OOO, 5 per cent. On the basis of last year's revenue the Viotorian Racing Club would have to pay £3,000, It is also proposed to limit the number of racing days.