COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3414, 4 January 1912, Page 2

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

- ———— RICH COAL SEAAI. [united press association—copyright] SYDNEY, January 3. The result of the analysis of a 6ft 6in seam of coal, struck in the Government colliery, are satisfactory beyond expectations. PROTECTING CHILDREN. The Government has appointed Sir Charles Alackellar to visit Europe and America and inquire into the treatment of neglected children with a view to future legislation. DAAIAGING FIRE. A fire at Murrumburrah destroyed six shops in the business centre. HU AI AN IT AHI AN LEG ISLATION. Among the proposals for discussion at the forthcoming Labor League Conference, one favors a- complimentary pension to any woman, aged 45 or over, the mother of six living children. Others advocate a six hours’ day, and nationalisation of the drink traffic. STEAMER FARES INCREASED. The Union Company has increased the passenger fares between Australia and Tasmania by 5 per cent. PETROLEUM IN PAPUA. An important discovery. of petroleum is reported at Vailola river, Papua. There are indications that .the deposits are very large. YEAR’S RETURNS. MELBOURNE, Jan. 3. Census returns disclose that there are 2,313,035 males and 2,141,970 females in the Commonwealth. The rainfall in the city last year was 36.61 inches, the greatest since 1849. The rateable property of Melbourne for the past year increased by £4,770,000. HENNIKER HEATON. FREMANTLE, Jan. 3. Mr Henniker Heaton and wife are passengers by the Mantua. SMALLPOX ABROAD. PORT DARWIN, Jan. 3. The steamer Taiyan has arrived from China with a case of smallpox aboard. THE SUGAR CONVENTION. BRISBANE, Jan. 3. Giving evidence before the Sugar Convention Dr Gibson, superintendent of the Sugar Experimental Station, advocated the employment of white labor. He said be was satisfied that whites could do all the labor required in the industry.