The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 10

a a THE AGE, THURSDAY. JANUARY 21. 1937. SLUM HOMES. Minister "Missed Point" COUNCILLOR'S REJOINDER.

Replying to criticism which the Minlater of Public Works (Mr. Goudle) directed against the Richmond council on the question of rebuilding on land where two wooden buildings had been condemned, Cr. B. A. Longfleld, chairman of the public works committee the Richmond council, sald yesterday that Mr.

Goudie had "missed the point." Mr. Goudle declared that it would little short of criminal to allow two houses to be built to a 23-foot frontage. "The council," he said, "'should hesitation in making up its mind as what it should do, without referring matter to the Government." Under the Local Government Act council had full power to prevent the erection buildings on handkercitief" allotments. Councillors should take the trouble to read the law they were called upon to administer. The truth is," Cr.

Longfield said, "the term 'nt for human habitation' has never been defined, and the question must main obscure until the determines what it means." Cr. Longfeld stated that the two old wooden houses on a frontage of 23 feet referred to were condemned by the Richmond council in accordance with the law as unfit for human habitation. the law now stood, however, the council had no power to order complete lition of such properties without first serving a notice on the owners specifying: the repairs or renovations required to make such house fit for human habitation. If the owner was prepared undertake the work entailed in the council's specification, even though it involved the almost complete, reconstruction the premises, the council was powerless to: order complete demolition, or to prevent their further use as dwellings, notwithstanding. that the allotment was "pocket handkerchief" one.

Restricted Powers. The Richmond council some time ago sought an amendment of the Local Goverment Act to give it power to compel owners of existing properties to provide baths, coppers and troughs where these facilities were lacking, but so far these powers had not been conferred on the municipalities. The statement made by the Minister of Public Works, that the case, under notice was only another instance of a desire, which had been apparent amongst, some municipalities, to avoid responsibility, was evidently made without a full knowledge of the facts of the case and the law bearing thereon. For years the Richmond council haa been endeavoring to improve existing housing conditions, but the powers conferred on municipal councils were so restricted, and the machinery involved so cumbersome, that it. was impracticable cope with the problem effectively.

The law on the subject required drastic amendment, and should specify the minimum requirements for a habitable dwelling. Cr. Longfeld added. WAS a matter entirely. for the Government.

EXAMINATION OF ACTS. Premier to Obtain Legal Opinion. In view of the confusion which exists amongst municipal and health authorities as to their powers to deal slum problem, the Premier, Mr. Dunstan, and the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Goudle, approved a suggestion yesterday that a round-table conference between representatives of the municipalities, the Health Commission and the State Housing Investigation and Slum Abolition Board might prove valuable.

The Premier announced yesterday he had forwarded the documents on the subject to the Crown Law department for an expression of opinion. The Government, he said, was of opinion that adequate powers existed to cope with the slum evil. If the law was defective, action would be taken to strengthen it by giving the. municipalities full power to condemn and bring about the demolition of insanitary buildings. Mr.

Goudle said a round table conTerence would go a long way toward removing the differences of opinion that existed amongst the various authorities. No finality would be reached whilst each authority disclaimed responsibility, and endeavored to shoulder the obligation on to some other body. ONE. COUNCIL MOVES. South Melbourne Scheme.

Speaking at South Melbourne council last night on the housing problem, Cr. A. L. Parry, chairman of the legislative Anance and health committee, said a quarter of a century ago South Melbourne council pointed out to the Government that existing health acts were inadequate, and suggested amendments which would of dealing with the problem. It was provide a simple and practical method determined that it would be unwise to place extended power in the hands of 8 municipality.

Cr. Parry referred to the last annual report of the city surveyor (Mr. A. E. Aughtic), which set out that last year South Melbourne council issued 197 spectfications for repairs and 15 houses were condemned and removed, and a further 25.

were removed to provide for the erection of business premises. The council had purchased 22 houses, with land upon which they stood, under a scheme of -resumption and reclamation, and had entered into arrangements with the State Savings Bank for the erection of 18 brick cottages on the site. This scheme was costing the municipality £10,000, and was a legitimate attempt to remove old buildings of a poor type and replace them with dwellings very much better at a cost (purchase price) of weekly. FAREWELL TO PREMIER. Many Functions Arranged.

With a Loan Council meeting pending and preliminary plans to: be made for next session's Parliamentary programme, the Premier is finding extreme dimculty in accepting invitations to attend all the farewell functions that are, proposed in anticipation of his departure on 9th February for London to attend the Coronation celebrations. Amongst the engagements already nixed are a lunch to be tendered by the Parliamentary U.C.P. at Parliament House on Wednesday next, a civic send- at Eaglehawk on the afternoon of 29th January, an Empire Parliamentary Association lunch at Parliament House on 3rd February, and a citizens' dinner at Bendigo on 5th February. a The Commercial Association also is anxious to entertain Mr. Dunstan.

Premier to Meet Constituents. The Premier has arranged to visit outer areas a of his electorate during tomorrow and Saturday. To-morrow morning he will be at Dunolly, and in the afternoon at Tarnagulla, and on Saturday he will visit Charlton and Wedderburn. ACCIDENT AT BATHS. Youth Serious Spine Injury.

his head heavily while diving at the City Council baths in Rathdownstreet Carlton, Inst night. Kevin Busch, years, of Drummond North Cariton, suffered a fracture of the spine and He was admitted in sericondition, to St. Vincent's Hospital. ABOUT PEOPLE. The Duke of Kent, who made a tour on Tuesday morning of the social centres in London, left by car in the afternoon Sandringham to join the and Queen and Queen Mary and members of the Royal family, The Governor has returned to Government House from St.

Ives' private hospital. Lady Huntingfeld and the Hon. Anne Vanneck, returned to Government House yesterday from "Sherford Down," Macedon. Archbishop Mannix, who is taking part in the retreat for the second week at Corpus Christi College, Werribee, will dedicate a new Roman Catholic church at Berwick on Sunday afternoon. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Dr.

Killian, who has been on a visit to Melbourne, will leave to-day for. Adelaide. He will be accompanied by the Rev. C. Thompson, administrator of St.

Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Adelaide. Bishop Gilroy, of Port Augusta, visited Melbourne yesterday. Rev. A. Rossi, provincial of the SalesIan Fathers in America, who is visiting Australia in the interests of his order, been welcomed at Rupertswood Colhas lege, Sunbury.

He is arranging to establish an agricultural and trades' school for boys in Brisbane. The New South Wales Executive Council has appointed Mr. Will Ashton as director and secretary of the National Art Gallery, Sydney. The period of appointment is five years, and the service salary 1s £750 a less the public salary cut. The mayor of Richmond.

(Cr. Huckerby) last Richmond night and their wives at a theatre entertained the councillers of is the secretary of party. Cr. Huckerby the Theatrical Employes Union. OBITUARY.

field. Dr. W. I. MACKINTOSH.

FATHER OF Mr. HUTCHINSON, M.P. Mr. Hutchinson, of Bonnie Doon, father of Mr. W.

J. Hutchinson, M.P. Indi, died yesterday morning in a Mansfield private hospital, after 8 short illness, at the age of 65 years. Mr. Hutchinson had lived in the district all his life, carrying on the occupation of grazer' until his retirement a few a months ago, when he went to Melbourne live.

He leaves a widow, son and to three daughters. The property was taken over by his son on retirement. The funeral will take place at Mans- Dr. William Ian Mackintosh died at his home, "'Pilrig," Burwood-road, Hawthorn, yesterday morning, after 111- ness from which he had been suffering for some time. Dr.

Mackintosh, who was born in Scotland, WAS a graduate of the Aberdeen University. His first practice in Victoria was at Yackandandah, from which town he came to Melbourne to enter into partnership with Dr. Carl Stephens at North Melbourne. About twelve years ago he took up a practice at Hawthorn, which he retained until -his death, Dr. Mackintosh was 8 keen angler and fond of the gun.

His professional interests included a special association with the work of St. George's Hospital, Kew. He leaves widow and one son, aged 8 years. The funeral cortege will leave "Plirig," Burwood-road. Hawthorn, at 11 a.m.

to-day for the Spring Vale Crematorium. Le Pine and Son Pty. Ltd. are carrying out the funeral arrangements. MR.

H. M. ROSS. Mr, Hugh Macdonald Ross, who died yesterday in his 81st year, will be greatly missed in sporting and pastoral circles. He was educated at Melbourne Grammar School, where he had an outstanding career in athletics.

Deceased began his pastoral career at Kyneton, where he and his brother, Mr. John Ross, owned the grazing property Woodlea. Later, they carried on the Serpentine Estate on the Loddon River until Mr. John Ross was appointed pastoral inspector for Goldsbrough, Mort and Co. Subsequently deceased was interested in various grazing properties in Queensland, notably Callandoon, near Goondiwindi, Clendleigh Park, near Hughenden, and Menearn, near Surat.

He was a local director of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency a member of the Melbourne Club and Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and for 62 years was a member of Melbourne Cricket Club. He leaves three children-Mr. J. Z. Ross, of Boobera, Goondiwindi; Mrs.

E. J. Hamilton, and Miss Marie Ross. The funeral will leave Sleight's chapel, after a service conducted by Canon Sutton, commencing at 2.15 p.m. to-day, for Brighton cemetery.

Arrangements are in the hands of A. A. Sleight Pty. Ltd. SAVE TO TRAVEL.

"Lay-By" Scheme Proposed. Stamps in Exchange for Tickets. Travel on the "lay-by" system is the objective of a "Save-to-travel" scheme, details of which will shortly be submitted to the Postal department and the various travel organisations by the Commonwealth Railway department. Rail, road, sea and air transport are to be included in the scheme, which will provide for the sale of "save-totravel" stamps at all post offices throughout Australia. The value of the stamps will be and The stamps will be affixed in "save-totravel" books, which will be available at all post offices.

All travel organisations co-operating in the scheme will accept the stamps in exchange for tickets of equivalent value. It is hoped that persons buying the stamps will be able to exchange them at all railway stations, shipping offices, airways offices and the offices of road transport companies. The Commonwealth Railway authorities are convinced that the idea of making the stamps available for all forms of transport, and not railways alone. will carry such an appeal to the public that many who do not travel on their holidays because of lack of ready money will be able do the future, and that the railways will participate in scheme which -will. have much greater impetus than if it were confined to railway travel, WOMEN IN.

FACTORIES. Official Answer to Complaints. In the absence of detailed information, officers of the Factories and Shops department declined yesterday to comment on statements made by Mr. F. Riley, secretary of the Manufacturing Grocers' Union, AS to the conditions of factory work for women.

Mr. Riley stated on Tuesday that in many sections of turing industry girls had to stand all day, and no record was kept if a girl were absent from work owing to this cause. The staff of the Factories departwith ment, the he said, number was insufficient to cope of factories to be inspected. Mr. Marzorini, Secretary of Labor, it Mr.

Riley or any other union official furnished to the department spethe cific law instances. in which it was alleged was not being observed, inquiries would be made immediately. The quesLon of whether additional factory inspectors should be appointed WAS A matIter of Ministerial policy. AERIAL DEFENCE. AUSTRALIA'S PLANS.

Series of Coastal Bases. PROTECTING THE CAPITALS CANBERRA, early establishment of an extensive system of aerial bases along the east coast of Australia is contemplated by the Federal Government. A start will probably be made this year with the work, which, when completed, will provide the Commonwealth with strategical air defences equal in efficiency to any in the world. Although anxious to push ahead with the proposal, the Defence department has been delayed by the protracted negotiations with Britain for an agreement on the England-Australia air mail service, with which the aerial base scheme is closely associated. Tentative plans provide for the development of aerodromes at Darwin, Brisbane, Evans Head, Sydney and Canberra, where strong fighting squadrons will be stationed.

To secure the fullest defence value, a scheme of regular communication and fighting cohesion between the squadrons will be prepared by the Defence department. In addition, the Air Force personnel will be strengthened in these centres, and provision will be made for an easily available supply of munitions. Full use will be made of existing aerodromes, but it is probable that at a later stage they will be enlarged and brought more up to date to meet the demands of a growing aerial defence force. Nearby coastal defences will also be strengthened with additional guns of adequate calibro. The scheme provides for a well-protected air defence, which may converge on any point attacked by an outside power, while it would give a sense of security to Sydney as one of the main commercial cities of the Commonwealth, and to Canberra as the administrative centre.

In the same way the aerodromes at Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth will later be given attention. An aerial defence expert was recently sent abroad by the Commonwealth Government to. study the methods adopted in other countries. He has returned to Australia to advise the Defence departplay a large part in the development ment, and it is expected do that he will of the air bases for the eastern coast. MANUFACTURE OF PLANES THE AMERICAN TYPE.

Minister Answers Critics. SYDNEY, Wednesday. -The Minister of Defence (Sir Archdale Parkhill) said to-day. that while the Commonwealth Government might pray for the day when uniformity in Imperial military aircraft might be achieved, it had to be remembered that present the R.A.F. itself was using dozens of different types of machines.

For this reason a statement cabled from England that interchangeability of parts was a vital factor had obviously been made without due thought. Sir Archdale Parkhill said that it was doubtful whether British factories were capable of supplying Australia's immediate requirements of military aircraft. The last of the Hawker Demons ordered from England nearly two years ago had not yet arrived in Australla. Criticism against the decision to build NA16 planes for the R.A.A.F. had been raised on the ground that the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, which would build them, had a large American backing.

"While it is not unreasonable that 8 company financed by American money should wish to build an American machine, the Defence department demanded that only the best available type of aircraft should be supplied to the R.A.A.F." the Minister went on. Replying to a contention that the British Air Ministry would not make its secrets available to a concern financed by foreign monoy, Sir Archdale Parkhill said that it had never been the practice of the Britisn Air Ministry to place Its secrets in the hands of a private company, but only with the Commonwealth Government. No departure from this practice would be occasioned by the decision to build NA16 planes in Australia, and it had been decided between the British and Commonwealth Governments that the arrangement should continue in force. The Commonwealth Government would continue to receive details of the Air Ministry's secret aircraft, but nothing would be nade available to the building company except as desired by the British Government. TESTING AIRCRAFT.

Australian Methods Defended. Commenting yesterday on an article in "The Age" on Friday last dealing with the manufacture of aircraft in Australia, the Controller-General of Civil Aviation (Captain E. C. Johnston) said there was no justification for any impression that the standard of airworthiness required of civil aircraft which had been constructed in Australia in the past was any lower than that demanded of similar aircraft in England. The airworthiness requirements for civil aircraft.

said Captain Johnston, were the same in Australia as in England, and the technical officers of the civil Aviation Board conducted a very complete check of the design of any new type aircraft to ensure that it complied in all respects with these requirements. The construction of the machine was supervised throughout, and the completed type aircraft was subjected to flight tests on exactly the same lines as at Martlesham Heath. Those performance characteristics which were prescribed in the airworthiness requirements were measured. The most modern methods and apparatus were used, and there was no foundation whatever for the statement that tho methods used were crude, and probably unreliable. Captain Johnston added that a considerable amount of apparatus was available at Martlesham Heath for making special tests or researches, and it was true that there was at present little equipment available in Australia for work of this nature.

However, the department was in a position to conduct: accurately the tests necessary to establish the airworthiness of new types of aircraft, and had on occasions performed with success special tests, necessitating the evolution of methods and equipment not previously tried overseas. LOAN COUNCIL. Tasmanian Premier Annoyed HOBART, proposal to hold a meeting of the Loan Council or 4th February has greatly annoyed the Premier (Mr. Ogilvie), in view of a communication he received from the Federal Treasurer on 12th January stating that no useful purpose would be served by closer holding Loan Council meeting until to the date when a loan could be contemplated. Ogilvie said to-day that Mr.

Casey was aware the Tasmanian election would take place on 20th February, and that it would be almost impossible for the State to be represented if the meeting were held before 26th February. After the Tasmanian Government had committed Itself it found the meeting convened, although it was known that it was almost impossible for the Government to be represented. In any case, 10 could not commit the incoming Govern4th ment. If the meeting was held early on February it would mean that to attend, the Premier said, he would have to abandon four of his election campaign meetings, as he would be absent from the State for four days, TRADE WITH CANADA. SEEKING NEW TREATY.

Australia's Adverse Balance. Wednesday. Australia's A prelimiinvestigation trade with Canada, and the preparation of proposals for submission to the Canadian trade delegation when it arrives in Canberra next' week, are being undertaken the Minister in Charge of Trade (Sir Henry Gullett), who arrived in Canberra to-day. The Minister of Customs (Mr. White) and the Assistant Minister of Commerce (Mr.

Thorby) will visit Canberra on Friday to discuss conference plans with Sir Henry Gullett. It is probable that Mr. Thorby will attend the main series of conferences, which are expected to last for three weeks. Sir Henry Gullatt and the Minister of Commerce (Mr. Page) will visit Sydney on Tuesday to meet the members of the delegation, which is headed by Mr.

W. D. Euler, the Canadian Minister for Trade and Commerce on arrival from New Zealand. It is expected that the visitors will proceed to Canberra' that night, so that an early start can be made with the negotiations for a new trade treaty. The last agreement signed between the two Dominions has been effective since 1931, but It may be terminated after reasonable notice is given by elther of the parties.

Since 1931 the balance of trade, mainly due to the Canada-Australia trade treaty and the Ottawa Agreement, has been considerably in favor of Canade, and an effort will be made by Sir Henry Gullett and his colleagues to induce Canada to take larger quantities of Australian primary exports, as en effective method of preserving the good relations between the the two. Dominions, and reducing adverse Commonwealth trade balance. ORANGES FOR NEW ZEALAND, The Australian Shipments. CANBERRA, of the Department of Commerce stated today that full advantage was taken by Australian citrus exporters of the New Zealand Government's permit. for the importation into New Zealand of 12,000 cases of oranges from the Murrumbidgee and areas in Victoria free from fruit fly.

While delivery in New Zealand could not be completed by the middle of December, the time stipulated, the complete requirements of that country had now been met. RELIEF WORKERS. Decide to End Strike. Work at Ballarat To-morrow. BALLARAT, -By a decision at a mass meeting of sustenance workers at the Ballarat Trades Hell today the strike was declared off.

Addressing the meeting, the president of the Sustenance Workers' Union (Mr. H. Green) advised the men to accept the conditions put forward at the conference in Melbourne the previous day between the Minister and officials of the Central Trades Unemployed Committee of the Melbourne Hall. The decision means that the will agree to accept the work offered by men the city council, and to work for the hours owing for sustenance payments received in advance. Since the strike commenced about three weeks ago the men and their dependants have lost.

between £350 and £400. The first call will be made on Friday, certain and the city council will provide work for which materials and supervision will involve a minimum of cost. PUNT-ROAD-BRIDGE. Plans Being Prepared. Plans for the construction of a fivespan concrete bridge across the River Yarra linking up Punt-road on a diagonal alignment, are now prepared by the Country Roads Board.

It will be several weeks yet before the plans will be available, owing to the amount of preparatory detail work to be completed. The secretary of the Country Roads Board (Mr. Jansen) said yesterday that the plans were now being prepared by the board's engineers for a concrete structure 385 feet in length, with five spans, and a roadway of bordered by an 8 feet path. Although these tions had been received by no the board measurements were tentative, application wider bridge should be constructed." Referring to the suggestion that has been made for the rebuilding of the 70- years-old Johnson-street-bridge, Mr. Jansen said the bridge did not come within the jurisdiction of the Country Roads Board, and -the board had received no official communications regarding its repair or reconstruction.

BOARD TRACK CYCLING. Norris (W.A.) Takes Scratch Race. There was another good attendance at the Exhibition board cycling track last night when a programme of thirty events was decided. S. Kelly (Richmond) won the professional handicap, in which he led into the bell lap.

C. Walker, champion of America, and Rogers (N.8.W.), a noted five-mile sprint scratch' cyclist, race fell In won by T. Norris (W.A.), new rider on Anal lap of the track, who is the most promising of the track, tandem wheelmen race in provided Australia. a spirited contest in the last two saps of the Anal. It was won by the Beltzel-Campbell combination.

New South Wales aces- J. Walsh and La Rogers-defeated the West Australian acesT. Norris and G. Hebbard-In straight heats of 8 match race. An unusual race for amateurs was mile handicap.

the Analists in which contested a scratch raco (miss and out), the last rider over the line given intervals called off. This event. won by Armieid, nearly resulted in a dead Heat. Five -Lap Handicap (Ave-sevenths of mile). First: Mansell, 30 Stevens, Kimoson, 30, 50, 1, C.

Time, Smart 1.23 100, 1.22 Second: 1-5. 2. 1-5. Third: R. Casley, Fourth: 70, Ault, Smith, 80.

1.23 2-5. 40. Stuart, 2. 1.27. Fifth: R.

Norris N. 40, 2. 1.27. Sixth: Downton, 60. George, 1.24.

2. Seventh: 1.25 S. 3-5. Clarke, Eighth: 50. Kelly, 10, Campbell.

60. W. 1.23 3-5. Ninth: Kenny, 85, Raiston, 50, Smith, 1.25 3-5. Tenth: H.

Webb, 20, d'Arcy 85, 1.21. 2-5. Final: 8. Kelly (Richmond), 50. Casley, 70, d'Arcy Smith 3.

Won by a length. 3-5. Inter-State Teams' G. Match. Hebbard -First Heat: Rogers (N.6.W.).

furlong. 3-10th sec. Becond: 2. 13 1-10th sec. Third: Rogers 11 Norris by Last 7.8.W.

furlong. team, 13 Walsh And Match L. Rogers. rangem Race, one mile. E.

Waterford GibaudSmith. Woolrich Time, 3-5. Clinton A. smart. 2.4.

Clinton-T. Wheel. 2.3 FIVE-MILE SCRATCH RACE. W. STUART (Glen BERG (Germany) ViCERO Won by half a wheel.

Time, 11.20. H. and Turtell A. IN. ton, 1 each, AMATEUR.

Half-mile Handicap, Firat: Rogers (50), Johnson (15). Second: (50), Dowling (8wan Hill) (70), Blair Fourth: 58 2-5. Bearle G. a. Webb 68 (70), 2-5.

Sixth: 57 1-5 sec. (80) Guyatt! (25 but was qualified for riding inside the pole line, Seventh: 68 Langley line Eighths Sweeting riding Inside H. for Payne 68. 1-5. Ninth: Bidebot-1 tom (80).

G. Murray (50), 09 Final -Miss and. Out Scratch Race: F. Armield W. Johnson Distance 3.

covered Won About by three miles. BOY DEAD ON ROAD. Killed in Broad Daylight. ACT OF CALLOUS MOTORIST. GEELONG, Struck by fast-moving motor vehicle, aged about 13 years was killed instantly while riding his bicycle along the about ten miles from Geelong, about 1 Princes Highway near Mount Moriac, p.m.

to-day. The boy was proceeding from Geelong and was apparently on a rabbit-hunting excursion as the handle bars of the bicycle held a box containing a ferret. The vehicle which struck the machine was also travelling from Geelong. From the marks on the road it is surmised that the boy and the biovele were carried on the front of the car or truck for 55 feet. The boy received frightful injuries to the head and his left leg.

His identity has not yet been established. All police stations in the Western district have been advised to keep a look out for the vehlole. Child Killed by Motor Truck. Knocked down by a motor truck near his home yesterday afternoon, James Coiradimitris, years, Palmerstoncrescent, South Melbourne, was fatally injured. The child WAS rushed to minutes Prince Henry's Hospital, and died a few after admission.

Brother and Sister Injured. A man and his sister were injured yesterday, when a motor car in which they were travelling was involved in a collision with a tram at the corner of High and Chapel streets, Prahran. The victims were Albert Freitag, 39 years, Springhurst, lacerated wrist, and Marjorie Freitag, 30 years, Winton, lacerated scalp and 8 probable fracture of the pelvis. A civil ambulance conveyed them to the Alfred Hospital, where Miss Freitag was admitted. WEDDERBURN MYSTERY.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY SUGGESTED. Search for Second Body. Following the report of the Government Analyst that charred fragments of cloth found in the ashes of an old camp Are about 20 yards from the disused mine shaft in which the victim of the Wedderburn murder was discovered about two weeks ago, were unquestionably portion of a woman's dress, the detectives investigating the mystery have turned to the theory that a double tragedy has occurred. The theory is supported by the fact that a plece of twisted and charred metal resembling a woman's was also found in the ashes. The detectives belleve that the victim was an Imperial ex-service man, who was seen at Wedderburn during the middle of last winter, in the company of a woman, and that she also may be dead.

The district is pitted with disused mine shafts, many of which are hidden in the scrub, and it is now thought that the woman's body may be burled in one of these shafts. Black trackers have been in the district for the past two days combing the locality of the mystery shaft for traces of a second body. When the couple were seen in Wedderburn, the woman was dressed in black and the man, who had a noticeable cast in his eyes, was carrying a blue swag from and two a local sugar bag. residents They inquired where they could camp for the night, and were believed directed to they the went. racecourse, where it is They were not seen there again, for but it is believed that With they camped several days.

the object of tracing their subsequent movements, the police yesterday appealed to one motorists who and the transport drivers, or anysaw couple on the road, to communicate with them. Their movements have been lost sight of since they were seen in Wedderburn. in although it is believed that they camped a Rushworth park for several days, and were later seen at Serpentine. The man is thought to be in receipt of a British army pension. It was at first believed that the murder victim was identical with a man named Kendall, who was employed by Mr.

P. A. Greenaway, Broadford, saw mill proprietor. Miss Kendall, who was engaged through Scott's registry office in Melbourne, was formerly in the Indian army, and received a military pension. He suffered muscular trouble in the eyes.

This theory has been exploded, however, by the location of Kendall at Dunolly, and the detectives are again at a dead end. The chief of the Criminal Investiga Branch (Superintendent Brophy) said yesterday afternoon that it was possible a double tragedy had occurred, but he precluded the probability of murder. The police in their anxiety to cover every channel of investigation, had called on the black trackers to aid them in the search. SHOTS FIRED AT KEW. Thieves Disturbed by Householders.

Shots fired at housebreakers by middle-aged man at East Kew early yesterday morning, felled to prevent their escape with in notes, which they had removed from the house earlier in the W. night. The house was occupied by Mr. M. Davidson, Goldthorn-avenue, East Kew.

While the four occupants were asleep in the upper floor of the dwelling, thieves apparently a entered the diningroom by forcing side window. Mrs. Challingsworth, who is Mr. Davidson's mother-in-law. WAS disturbed by the flashing of torches on 8 vacant allotment adjoining the house.

Mr. David50n telephoned for the police. He WAs not tered aware until that his home had been enthey came downstairs await the arrival of the police, and found the back door open. Shortly afterwards one of the thieves- a young man-returned and walked into the house through the back door. Mr.

Challingsworth pursued him for fifty yards, and fired two shots from a revolver. Later it was found that a number of valuable furs had been taken from the the house. vacant and were allotment, lying in a bundle on awaiting removal. ESCAPER ARRESTED. Exciting Police Chase.

After a cross-country chase in a motor car, Senior Constable Adamson, of Warragul, and First-constable Peterson, of Yarra Junction, arrested James McKenale, 28 years, who escaped from the Sale gaol at p.m. on 6th December last. of McKenzie, nine who was serving a sentence months for illegally using a motor car, made his escape after wrenchIng a padlock from the rear gate of the prison. Yesterday morning the police were advised that a motor car belonging to Mr. Alfred Murray had been stolen from Mirboo North.

Subsequently the car was seen travelling on the road between NooPowelltown. Adamson and Poterson obtained A car and set out in pursuit. Although bogged several times they managed to overhaul the alleged stolen car near Powelltown early last night. Physical Training of the Young. Teachers to the number of 35 were seen yesterday undergoing the refresher course on Instruction of children in physical training in the school bullding in Queensberry-street, North Melbourne.

The demonstrator 1A Mr. L. G. Hamilton, and the course which was commenced this week will be continued till Friday, 29th January. The teachers are representative of all quarters of Victoria, PILING UP OF TRAMS.

Congestion in Swanston-St. City Council Discussion. Suggestions that only a limited number of trams should be permitted to travel along Swanston-street, and that the entrance of buses to the city should be prohibited, were made at a meeting of the Melbourne Olty Counell tramo committee yesterday afternoon. Members stressed the fact that undue congestion was caused in Swanston-street at various periods of the day by an almost unbroken line of tramcars extending from Flinders street to the terminus at Victoria-strect. Traffic in Swanston-street was always heavy, without the presence of so many trams adding to the congestion.

It had been suggested that trams using Swanston-street should be limited to those through-routed to northern suburbs, while those that usually stopped at the Victoria-street terminus should not proceed beyond Princes-bridge, People who used the railways had to walk from Flinders-street to their city destinations, and there was no reason why tram travellers should not do the same. The Town Clerk (Mr. Wootton) said yesterday that arrangements were being made for a personal observation of the congestion by the chairman and manager of the Tramways Board, the chairman of the City Council traffic committee and endeavor to relleve the obstructions. Mr. Wootton added that consideration would be given shortly to the advisability of eliminating the use of.

Swanston-street by motor buses, and creating a turning point near Alexandra-avenue. Views of Bus Owners. The general secretary of the Motor Omnibus Association (Mr. H. Witty) said the City Council did not have the power to remove the buses from Swanston-street.

It could only make a recommendation to the Motor Bus Advisory Board, which licensed buses and their routes. To truncate St. Kilda-road bus and tram services at Princes-bridge would accentuate pedestrian congestion in the vicinity of Flinders street railway station. The City Council should confer with representatives of the bus owners on the subject. If it desired to do something to relleve congestion in Swanston-street, it should prohibit any motor car parking in that street, Instead of considering the removal of the buses or trams.

The bus owners had suggested to the Ministry the calling of a co-ordination conference to further sider the of city traffic, CORONATION CELEBRATIONS, CHORAL FESTIVAL. Exhibition to be Decorated. The Exhibition has been reserved for 12th May for a choral festival as part of the Coronation celebrations in Melbourne. This arrangement will enable the celebrations to be continued without any interruption from the weather conditions, which might have occurred had the festival been held In the open air, as was previously suggested. The Lord Mayor (Cr.

Wales) said yesterday that the City Council committee would work in close co-operation with the Government committee, and would suggest that the Exhibition be specially decorated for occasion. The choral festival would be provided by the Coronation cholr, of more than 5000 volces, which had been formed from the very successful Centenary choir. A reception would also be held in the Town Hall that day, at which it was expected 3000 people would be present. POSITION OF V.C. WINNER.

Tasmanian Indignation. HOBART, Wednesday. The alleged unfair, treatment of Mr. J. J.

Dwyer, v.C., M.H.A., by the Defence department in refusing to allow him to retain the rank of lieutenant in the Tasmanian section of the Australian military contingent, to take part in the Coronation celebrations, and forcing his withdrawal from the contingent owing to the proximity of the election, has caused considerable resentment and indignation in Tasmania. Mr. Dwyer would have been required to go as 8 gunner by the department although he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant on the feld, and afterwards to the rank of first lieutenant. As a gunner he would be required to leave the State on 16th February, and as the election will be held on 20th February Mr. Dwyer says that duty to his electors prevents his leaving.

It was announced to that Private V. B. Gerrard (12th Battalion, Launceston), who was selected as a reserve, had been appointed to replace Mr. Dwyer. MR.

HOLLOWAY'S ATTITUDE. Will Not Go to Coronation. Mr. Holloway, M.P., said yesterday that he had no inclination or intention of going to England for the coronation, and there was no authority for the statement that he was likely to be chosen in place of the deputy leader of the Labor party (Mr. Forde).

His view was that there was plenty of work for him to do in Australia. No Queensland M.P. for London. BRISBANE, -When it was announced that Mr. Forde, M.P., was unable to make the trip to the Coronation on account of a family bereavement, Mr.

G. Lawson, M.P. for Brisbane, was invited by telephone from Canberra to go as representative of the Federal Labor party. Mr. Lawson is unable to accept, and it is unlikely that any Federal members will go.

Metro His Brother's Wife. Romance versus science in a feverstricken tropical setting, provides the dramatic basis for His Brother's Wife, the Metro Goldwyn-Mayer Alm which is the principal item in the new programme at the Metro Theatre, Modern direction and photography, and the experienced acting of Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Jean Hersholt and the other members of the cast, help to eliminate the sense of hackneyed "triangle" drama suggested by the title of the picture. Much use is made of contrasts, hence the admixture of high social life, "playboy" antics, night clubs and gambling for high stakes with the tropics. Robert Taylor is Chris, 8 brilyoung scientist, who, because of gambling debts, 1s choose career in Africa, in defance of his love for Rita (Barbara Stanwyck), The influence of Leon Gordon, who is part author of the screen play, is found in White the jungle scenes the full favor of Cargo, in which Melbourne audiences will recall his acting, without its dramatic qualities. The finding of the cure for spotted fever, in which Rita, despised by the man she loves, deliberately offers herself as a sacrince to his career, is the denouement.

In the same programme Old Hutch, another Metro picture, gives the audience many laughs. Phillip Island News. boys from the publio schools camp left for their homes on Wednesday morning after most successful camp. The annual concert in the shire hail was the most successful on record, the proceeda exceeding 40. weather to lack of support: through, bad the hospital trip San In the Killara WAS Cr.

however. for has Again given of use of the a moonlight trip in Ald trip will the be held hospital, on and the probably drat available night. RETREAT IN THE HILLS. Planned By Adventists. Area Near Bayswater Acquired.

The reports of the Sabbath school and missionary volunteer departments, presented at the Seventh Day Adventist conterence now in session at Royal Park, showed that encouraging growth had been experienced during the past year. Recognising that young people living and working in a city environment are in need of a place where they may find a retreat in the nearby hills, the Victorian conference of Seventh Day Adventists has purchased 15 acres of land at the Basin, just above water. In the immediate future plans will be in operation for the bunding of 8 diningroom, kitchen, worship hall and buts to accommodate about 70. The site is at an elevation of some 900 feet above sea level, and the air there is invigorating. The place is only about 23 miles away, and is served by a made road.

Permanent water is abundantly supplied by 8 clear mountain stream, which eventually becomes the Dandenong Creek. The property contains about 5 acres of cleared land, the rest being in virgin bush. It is the intention of the promoters to preserve this and teach the young people the love of Australian fauna. A construction programme will cover a period of about two years. The Sabbath school department reported encouraging increases in membership and offerings, the total offerings for the year amounting to over £2870.

An interesting feature was the investment fund. by which over £200 had been raised from the sale of poultry, eggs, fruit, vegetables, old newspapers, saving tram fares, making and selling work, and other means. In the evening an address was delivered by Pastor E. G. Whittaker on the subject Spiritualism the Wonder Worker -Who Sat in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Chair The provision of larger premises for the conference head quarters in Victoria, and a hall to serve as a meeting place for the young people of denomination in the metropolitan area, is also under consideration by the officers.

The conference last year gave them authority for this to be done. Up to the present a decision about the site has not been made. The conference has, however. just purchased a building in Richmond for the storage of its camp equipment. ALLEGED CORRUPTION.

Charges Against Ministers. West Australian Commission PERTH, before the royal commission Inquiring into charges of corruption against Ministers and others two charges regarding the Westralian "Worker" newspaper were opened. The allegations were "that the shareholders of the Westrallan 'Worker' were defrauded of controlling ownership by an organisation of five men, of whicn the present Premier is the leader. The Labor Efforts Association got registration only because the present Premier was prepared- to violate the traditions of the Minister of Justice and grant an improper certificate. The 'Worker' belonged to five men who obtained the ownership by fraud." Mr.

Hughes said that carnivals and lotteries had been allowed contrary to law, but were condoned for charitable purposes. One of the let principal a agencies the White City, for £350 year to one Martin, who sublet it in season for £200 8 week. In 1924 the present Premier, Mr. Willcock, became Minister for Justice. He was also director of the People's Printing and Publishing publishing the Westrallan "Worker." One Watson, manager of the company named.

conducted White City carnivals as Trades Hall carnivals, and this was allowed though outside the scope of the charitable objects. credited Instead direct of to the the proceeds Trades Hall appear- or the Westralian "Worker" the Minister for Justice with his colleagues formed themselves into the Incorporated Labor Elforts Association to which, Mr. Hughes claimed, the Minister of Justice Issued an improper certification. To this association 10,000 shares in thus the Westrallan the "Worker" were issued, giving association control. These shares, It was claimed, were Issued by the directors to themselves for money gained illegally.

Further, Mr. Hughes declared, that the carnivals were used to pay election expenses. The commission adjourned. WHEAT WORTH £16,000,000. Big Italian Purchases.

ROME, 20th January. Through Genoese brokers, Italy has recently bought 24,600,000 tons of wheat, mainly from Australia, Roumania and Hungary. As the negotiations were carried out some months ago, the wheat was secured on more favorable terms than are now possible, It is reported that it cost £16,000,000. GRANT OF £1,500,000. Claim by West Australia.

PERTH, -A claim for a grant of £1,500,000 for West Australia from the Federal Government was submitted to the Federal Grants Commission, which taking evidence In Perth to-day. amount asked for commenced, is similar to that claimed before the previous commission, and it was submitted that the report of the last commission was not an adequate reply to West Australia's case. The chairman (Mr. Eggleston) said that the conclusions of the last commission were still imperfectly understood, judging by the public comments upon them. He added that West Australia was better off under federation than it imagined.

EMBEZZLEMENT CASE. Company Director's Evidence Unusual evidence was given during the hearing of a charge of embezzlement at the city Ramus, Court 45. yesterday fixed afternoon. was Arthur charged Cyril, no address, before Mr. McLean, P.M., that on 30th March, Supplice 1936, being servant of Battonic PLy.

he. traudulently bezsied the sum of. £5 He Was also charged that, between 1st January and 30th February, 1936, he embezzled the sum of 2. stated William that Frederick about 30th Voight, March, farmer, of 1936. Nhil, Acfor cused which sold he him a a gallon of for battery £8 restorer.

gave cheque Harold Mayday licensed victualagreed to Junction sell him Hotel. gallon Terans. of said battery Accused storer for £7. and accused also signed the cheque butt to the effect that only was due on the transaction. Reginald Percy Clark, managing director the company, said accused war verbally products country diatrict, and to sell the company' celva A retainer of £2 and C6 for car and hotel expenses, plus 15 commission terms" were On revoked.

3rd and December. was ouly to receive per cent. commission on all sales, Good. had been supplied to both and Sainabury, but no moneys had been received the once for the former account and only £5 for the latter account. court, Mr.

McLean Mr. then to that the adjourn the Barnett stated witness had, accused offered signed the withdraw for the the BArwas permitted to cross -examine the witness. that he reply Mr. who was A director In witness stated and City secretary House on the company. last visited the a coused.

No mention, was Wedneeday made of an and order pay an agent, to An "'order brother had made arrangement pay to pay for to Barnett! maPle you ring my office in regard this Did you. aak for the charge to be withWitness: did. drawn Did 1 suggest you should go to the police CA. the accused continually asking you for anking expenses him 7- And were we not continually for money Did accused write and ask you for and did hold you not reply, sorry, 1 can't get hope of you can make sale the cash and manage" Mr. writing Yeh.

McLean then adjourned the court. NEWS IN BRIEF. nation The Canadian contingent for the Corowill comprise 300 of all arms. Mr. president J.

M. of the Galvin has been appointed the Hibernian metropolitan council of Society. Rev. Brother Whiting will succeed Rev. Brother Doyle as superior of Vincent's Boys' Orphanage, South Mel- St.

bourne. Imperial Airways Ltd. denies any plan to reduce fares. bookings are unusually full for the Coronation and Durban traffic," an official said. Rev.

Brother, William, principal of Assumption College, Kilmore, has been and transferred his to at Campbelltown (N.S.W.), Brother successor Kilmore is Rev, Hilary. The first annual reunion at the Morning take Star place Boys' Home, Mornington, will Lonergan on Sunday. Monsignor Mannix. will represent Archbishop Preston council is calling tenders for extensions to the soldiers' memorial hail in clude High-street. The extensions will infor the holding provision of of a hall large enough social gatherings.

that The has condemnatory nature of criticism The Children's been levelled Hour. is against the play, likely to be brought under the notice of the Chief Secretary, Mr. Bailey, before the week end. Both Houses of the United States Congress have passed a bill extending the fund 2,000,000,000 and dollar exchange stabilisation the president's authority to devalue the dollar until 30th June, 1939. Congress leaders hint that the Japanese devaluation hastened this action.

The mayor of Preston (Cr. A. G. Davis) and the town clerk (Mr. L.

W. Williams) will represent Preston at the official opening of the new Heidelberg town hall on 9th February. Invitations have been extended to all neighboring municipalities to send representatives. Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, In the House of Commons, said that no official estimates of British investments overseas were available, but a tentative estimate showed that the amount of Britishowned securities and private investments in New Zealand totalled £140,000,000.

The principal of Brighton Technical School (Mr. I. Topperwein) has awarded the City of Moorabbin scholarships for 1937 to Valda Pickles, Capitol-avenue, McKinnon; Frederick E. Kimberley, Queen-street, Ormond; and Geoffrey V. Germaine, Amelia-street, McKinnon.

Although the general manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (Mr. Moses) yesterday refused to divulge the fee being paid Sir Harry Lauder for the national broadcast he is to make on Monday night, Mr. Moses said it was higher than that ever paid to a similar artist. It has been decided to hold the St. Patrick's day demonstration on Saturday, 13th March.

A carnival in which the combined Roman Catholic schools, will take part, will follow the procession. The national concert will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday night, 17th March. Having been furnished with further information as to the operation of Mr. W. Maloney's plan for distributing of free milk to children, the Premier, Mr.

Dunstan, announced yesterday that he had agreed to aid the movement with a State grant of £500 for the current financial year. Mr. W. S. May, musical director of Preston municipal band, has been lected by J.

C. Williamson Ltd. as solo trumpeter in the orchestra to tour New Zealand with the Russian Ballet Company. Applicants for orchestral appointments were sought in Melbourne and Sydney. Mr.

May will leave for Sydney in February. Three Welsh Nationalists--a professor, a clergyman and a school teacher sentenced to nine months' imprisonment in the second division on a charge of having set fire to R.A.F. camp buildings in Wales as a protest "against the erection of such an institution, which endangered Welsh culture and Arrangements have been made by the Bush Fire Brigades Association to obtain annual statistics from the Police department in relation to the incidence of bush fires in various parts of the State. Specific assets known to have been lost in Government forest areas in Victoria in the past six years were valued at nearly £70.000. but the data received is very incomplete.

The body of the man, which WAS found in long grass near the Bayswaterroad on Sunday, has been identified as that of Reginald Braddon, 33 years, carpenter. Deceased is believed to have resided at a boarding house in the St. Kilda district. The police believe that no suspicious circumstances are nected with the death. On Australia day, 26th January, the Australian Broadcasting Commission will feature special Australian programmes.

In addition 'to addresses by Australian public men and entertainment by Australian artists, arrangements have been completed for special overseas transmissions. David Harris, an ex-convict, has voluntarily confessed to the police at Hollywood that it was he who recently sent a threatening letter to the parents of Jane Withers, the child actress, with the view of extorting money. He said he was hungry, and tried this as a way to make money. Suffering from cerebral hemorrhage, Charles Noice, Gellibrand-street, Willamstown, a diver, was admitted to Royal Melbourne Hospital yesterday after he collapsed as his helmet was removed when he came to the surface of the Maribyrnong River, where he had been working on the foundations of the new bridge at Smithfield-road, Newmarket. His condition is serious.

Civil Aviation department officials yesterday scouted the idea that the dental plate found on the Altona beach and now awaiting identification at the Williamstown police station, had any connection with the disappearance of the impossible air liner Southern Cloud. It was view on for them to give any definite the subject, because there were so many different sources from which the plate could have come. At the monthly meeting of the Victorian Divisional Council of the wealth Institute of Accountants on Tuesday, authority was given for the following vanced to associate, Walter Alfred Reid advancement and (Melbourne); admitted as associate, John mitted George as Henderson licentiate, Nell Rupert Caffin, (Melbourne); HIll, Geoffrey John Ernest Morton, Ruth Cleeland Shaw, Lyon, Vivian Rowland Ernest James Smith (all of Melbourne), Nell Victor Gibson (Wangaratta). STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. New Assistant Chief Mr.

William Henry Ellwood has been nominated by the Public Service Commissioner for vacant position of Assistant Chief Inspector of Primary Schools. The appointment is subject Lo approval by the Governor in Council. In making the announcement, the of Education (Mr. Harris) said Minister Mr. Ellwood, who was 47 years of age, joined the department as A monitor in and WAS a junior teacher until 1904, 1908, when he was appointed to Strathmerton West.

Subsequently ho served at Albert Park and Hiawatha. Mr. Ellwood served with the A.I.F. from Janu1919. On his ary, 1915, until September, A return to Victoria, Mr.

Ellwood took special repatriation course at Melbourne completed his B.A. degree and University, and whilst teaching time he Master Diploma degree in 1928, and of Education. He obtained his of Education his M.A. in 1934. He served as lecturer Melbourne Teachers' College from at the 1923 to 1924, when he was appointed inspector of schools in the Ouyen districts.

in When Ballarat the in Teachers' 1926 he College was appointed WaS opened principal and was in charge economy until it at WAS the end closed of on 1931. the Since grounds then of he has served the Maryborough district 45 inspector in of schools. EXCHANGE RATES ON LONDON. LONDON, 20th January, London to-day were Exchange rates on -New York, 4.90⅞ Paris, as follow: 105 5-32 York, f. 4.91 Paris, 105 5-32 f.1 (Yesterday's rates.