COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3264, 8 July 1911, Page 7

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

ALLEGED MEAT COMBINE

[UNITED PP.ESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.] SYDNEY. July 7.

The Government is initiating an enquiry into the alleged meat combine. The” secretary of the Slaughtermen’s Union states that he is prepared to prove that a system of restriction exists in the slaughtering trade.

REPORT FROM NEW HEBRIDES. Presbyterian missionaries at the New Hebrides report that a critical state of affairs has developed. Law and order are difficult to maintain under the joint control system. COVETED RIVE RINA.

The “Argus” deprecates Victoria’s claim to the Riverina. Unless the claim is overpowering and justified, it would only arouse increased hostility towards New South Wales, and postpone the linking up of the railways -of the two States indefinitely. THE HOBART FIRE.

HOBART, July 7. Fitzgerald’s premises were completely gutted by fire yesterday, and the adjoining premises were practically destroyed. Fitzgerald’s damage is equal to the full amount of the insurance, which is distributed in various offices. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ASSEMBLY. ADELAIDE, July 7. The Bills introduced in the Assembly include one for the settlement of deadlocks. It provides that when a Bill has twice passed the Assembly, with a general election intervening, it shall be competent to present it to the Governor for his assent, as though it had passed both Chambers. WHEAT HARVEST.

The Government statistician’s final estimate of the wheat harvest i_s_ 24,344,000'bushels, an average of 11.57. IMMIGRATION AGENT’S REPORT. PERTH, July 7. An immigration agent sent to India reports a large influx of retiring civilians and soldiers to settle in West Australia.

MEASLES OUTBREAK ERADICATED. (Received July 7, 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 7. The steamer Providence, from Rotumah Island, reports that the measles epidemic, which was responsible for 400 deaths, has been eradicated.