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j The Mainland Day by Day
From Our Spécial Correspondents. ' j
MELBOURNE
Wednesday'
University Revolution.
Tho undergraduates of our Univer-
sity evidently do not intend to take
the proposed increase in fees passive-
ly. A University Reform League is
in process of formation, the prim-
ary object being to' protest against
thc increase. But it proposes
something constructive as -well. It is
an ambitious or optimistic scheme ad-
vocating the complete financial reor-
ganisation of the University. Students
of to-day have greater daring or
greater independence than they had in
the old days when some audacious
souls were branded as-radicals, and
threatened with vague but drastic dis-
ciplinary action for advocating this
same thing. Tho revolutionary fire-
brand who styles himself secretary
pro tem. goes so far as to demand that
students shall bo represented both in
the Legislative Assembly and "the
Legislativo Council. As a matter of
fact, lom? ago, when our Alma Mater
consisted of a score of students, the
late Dr. Hearn did sit for a short time
in the Assembly as its representative.
The career of this reformer has not
been checked. Who knows that ho may
not have had the audacity to propose
that the students should bo represent-
ed on the University Council?
* * « »
The Milk Controversy.
Tho Veterinary Association has
made a somewhat belated, entry into
the milk controversy. If the aHega
tiorrs contained in a letter from the
honorary secretary to tho Public
Health Commission have any founda-
tion in fact, the matter is far moro
serious than we thought, which is say-
ing a great deal. The letter states
that it is a fact that milk labelled1 as
coming from tuberculin-tested cows
on the strength of an examination
which took place, in some cases, years
ago, is being sold whereas the bulk of
the herd may consist of untested cows.
It was further said that examinations
were often conducted in an inefficient
and irregular manner to enable dairy-
men' to sell labelled milk. It was> ad-
mitted that no satisfactory regulations
were in existence. A member of the
Milk Supply Commission said that thc
Commission had, in fact, drafted a set
of regulations, which were forwarded
to the Minister. That was the last
anyone heard bf them.
* » * v
Thc Underworld's History.
In the Legislativo Assembly last
night, Mr. Blackburn, MX.A., a well
known city solicitor, speaking on the
appointment of tho Crown Prosecutor
.(Mr. Maclnldoe) to the Country Court
Bench, making him almost automati-
cally a chairman of General Sessions,
brought forward the question that was
discussed when Judge Woinarski was
appointed as a judge. Judge Woinar-
ski has earned thc respect of the legal
profession and tho cordial dislike of
the underworld, and there is, of course,
not the slightest danger that Judge
Maclndoe will be guilty of conscious
bias. Tho fact remains, however,
that ho will be personally acquainted
with tho facts and the history of most
of the unfortunate gentlemen who face
him from the dock; and this from the
standpoint of absolute justice is not
altogether desirable. ;
SYDNEY
Wednesday.
Get Out!
Despite official denials, it lias been
made plain that thc New Settlers'
League is an object of the State Gov-
ernment's hostility. Thc Big Brother
movement, too, is to bc 'blocked. The
Minister for Labour (Mr. Bnddeley)
stated to-day that he had decided to
discontinue the payment of the Gov-
ernment subsidy of £750 a year to tho
New Settlers' League. He also pro-
posed to uso tho offices occupied' by
thc league to accommodate Govern-
ment officials. This news has come as
a shock to all those interested in the
movement, which is regarded in many
circles as of great benefit Mr. Bad
I deley declares that the discontinuance
of tho subsidy was necessary in order
that the Government should! be con-
sistent in its attitude toward unofficial
bodies generally.. While the Govern-
ment appreciated the work done by
the league, it regretted it was unable
to single out that organisation for
preferential treatment. He added that
numbers of applications were made for
subsidies to enable various social and
religious organisations to assist with
tho work of migration. The Govern-
ment could not accede to all, and so it
seems is going to accede to none. It
was also stated to-night that no more
"little brothers" will be nominated for
New South Wales-for the time being
at any rate.
* » . .
When Cobliam Cones.
It has been decided that when Mr.
Alan Cobham arrives in Sydney he
' will be accorded the same reception as
was accorded to Sir Ross Smith. Mr.
Cobham will probably land at Mascot,
ns Sir Ross Smith did, and the local
people are determined that nothing
shall b* loft undone to give him the
tumultuous welcome that he deserves.
When Sir Ross Smith arrived the Gov-
ernment took charge of the whole
proceedings, and if it neglects to do
so- on this occasion it will not matter
very much, because Sydney proposes
to see to it that a suitable welcome
is arranged. As n matter of fact
there was not a little unpleasantness
on Sir Ross Smith's arrival between
tho Government and the Mascot Coun-
cil. The latter objected to the arrange-
ments being taken out of its hands.
On this occasion Mnscot has got in
ahead of the Government hy announc-
ing that it is going to carry out the
welcome itself.
» » » *
Another Slide Discovery.
The erosion of a gully at the foot of
the Great Dividing Range on the
Upper Clarence River, just off the
coastal belt, has exposed a shale seam
20 feet thick. Samples are said to
show turpentine and other oils, as well
as spirit suitable for motors. Through,
out the shale there occurs a carbonacc.
ous mineral, which readily lights, and
bums freely on tho application of a
match. Shale and other deposits hav-
ing the appearance of fossil resin are
rich in volatile hydro-carbons, and
low in water and ash contents. A 20
foot tunnel has been driven 150 feet
into the hil!, and the indications are
that the deposits are extensive. Al-
ready £4,000 has been oversubscribed
for shares.
$