COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3217, 13 May 1911, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

A RECOMMENDATION PROM AUSTRALIA. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION- -COPYRIGHT. J ADELAIDE, May 12. The Chambers of Commerce Conference decided to approach the Federal Government with a view to recommending the Imperial Government to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate, and, if possible, recommend the adoption of a uniform system of weights and measures and currency in the British Empire.

POLICE PENSIONS ADVOCATED. MELBOURNE, May 12. There being no candidates for the police force, members urge the adoption of an all-round pensions scheme, which was repealed in 1902. TO CLASSIFY TELEGRAPHISTS. The Federal Government is adopting a scheme of classification of telegraphists, the increased cost being £50,000 annually. THE COMMONWEALTH NAVY.

Arrangements . have been made with the Admiralty to secure 54 special rations for the torpedo- destroyers. BATHING SUIT IN STREET.

SYDNEY, Zvlay 12. An advocate of the simple life appeared in George street attired in a bathing costume. He was fined five shillings for offensive behaviour. ENCOURAGING HOME INDUSTRY.

The Government lias let a contract for 2000 tons of locally made steel rails. COMMONWEALTH NATIVE POPULATION. The Presbyterian. Missions'Committee estimate that the native population in the Commonwealth is 80,000. VOTING ON THE REFERENDA. The voting on the referenda in New South) Wales was 41 per cent, which was the lowest. In Victoria it was 59 per cent., the highest. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE. (Received May 12, 9.30 p.m.) ADELAIDE, May 12, Tlie Chamber of Commerce Conference adopted a resolution in fa.or of opening negotiations for trade reciprocity with New Zealand, Canada, and South- Africa, and the continuation of the Vancouver mail service with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as ports of call; also a complete system of wireless communication, particularly along the coast, with joint requisition and control by the Commonwealth, Canadian and British Governments of the cable across the Atlantic from Canada to Britain, for the disemination of information with a view to the opening of new markets for Australian products and a vigorous State-aided immigration policy. GALE AT SYDNEY (Received May 12, 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 12. A stiff southerly gale is raging, accompanied by rain. Heavy seas are causing shipping to shelter.