GENERAL CABLEGRAMS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2402, 6 March 1915, Page 8

GENERAL CABLEGRAMS

By Telegraph—Pices Association—Copyright 9 WORKERS AND WAGES FURTHER IMPROVEMENT POSSIBLE Sydney, March 5. The Premier (Mr. W. A. Holman), addressing a meeting of the Labour doxmcil, said there was a possibility of the workers further improving their wages and position. The time was rapidly approacliing the limit of what could be done by arbitration and industrial legislation. The next step was to aim, not so much at getting more wages, but making the wages go further.

After tracing the increase in the price of living, he denied that it was due to rise in wages. He announced that the Government proposed to create a market, the authority having complete control over the whole food supplies of Sydney, which at'first would be controlled by the Government, and afterwards handed over to the Greater Sydney Council about to be created.

He also outlined a State soheme for dealing with the improving of meat, fish, vegetable, and fruit supplies. Mr. D. R. Hall (Solicitor-General) stated that the Government was starting a bread trust in Sydney by taking over the monopoly of the bread, supply and paying bak.ers for their business on the basis of so much per ton. The scheme would be first started in a limit, ed area. If it were found that the State bakery was able to sell bread at a penny per loaf below the present price, it would mean a saving to the people of a million and a quarter annually. Sydney, March 5. Tlie Premier (Mr. Holman) announces that at the forthcoming Premiers' Conference he intends to move that the States hand over their industrial and arbitration powers entirely to the Commonwealth. PANAMA EXPOSITION . THE NEW ZEALAND PAVILION. San Francisco, March 4. Mr. Edmund Clifton, New Zealand Resident Commissioner, weloomed a' huge gathering at the formal dedication of the New Zealand Pavilion at the Exposition. The Maoris assisted in the welcome,, ajid gave Native dances. The Mayor (Mr. Rolph), on behalf of San. Francisco, presented a bronze plaque to Mr. Cliftoa as a memento of the occasion.

Mr. Alfred Deakin, representing Australia, spoke of the hearty spirit of cooperation existing between the Antipodes and the United States, and said he hoped the opening of the Canal would cement the friendship further.

AGRICULTURAL LABOUR SHORTAGE IN ENGLAND. London, March 4. The House of Commons discussed the shortage of agricultural labour. The Premier (Mr. Asquith) hoped that restrictions on boy labour would be relaxed during the war. Mr. W. H. Long believed that the farmers would only resort to child labour in a great emergency.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE SUMMONED. ■ (Rec. March 5, 10.20 p.m.)

London, March 5. The Miners' Federation has summoned a national conference, to be held in London on March 17. Failing a settlement of the local disputes the situation will be fraught with danger.

CHINA & JAPAN LEASE OF PORT ARTHUR. (Rec. March 5, 11.15 p.m.) Peking,' March 5. A oonference of Chinese and Japanese statesmen agreed to extend the lease of Port Arthur and Dalny for ninety-nine years.

MINISTER RESIGNS FOR PURELY PERSONAL REASONS. (Rec. March 5, 8.55 p.m.) Sydney, March 5. The Hon. A. C. Carmichael has resigned the , portfolio of Public Instruction for reasons which are understood to be purely personal. No question affecting, the policy of the party or the Government is involved.

Mr. Holman, the Premier, stated that the resignation was a great surprise, and Cabinet has failed to persuade Mr. Carmichael that the situation did not justify his retirement.' Mr. Carmichael refuses to make a statement.

(Rec. March 6, 1.40 a.m.) , Mr. Carmichael states that his resignation is largely a 'matter of a personal difference with the Premier. The caucus meets on Tuesday to fill the vacancy. Mr. Holman (the Premier) fills the position, temporarily. CONGESTION IN LEATHER SITUATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (Rec. March 6, 1.40 a.m.) Sydney, March 5. The New South Wales Tanners' ijsociation is urging the Federal Government to modify the drastio measures regarding • prohibition 'of exporting leather to South Africa, New Zealand and the Bast, pointing out that half the tamers of New South Wales have been compelled to close, owing to the congestion in leather which they are unable to ship. CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF

SUPER-TAX BILL THROWN OUT. Perth, March 5. The' Legislative Council has negatived the Super-tax Bill. IThe Premier (Mr. Scaddan) introduced in the House of Representatives a Special Income Tax Bill for 1915, from which he expects to derive £200,000. The Bill reduces the exemption from £200 to £156. All amusements must contribute one-twelfth of the total receipts. The Bill passed all stages.] PRICE OF KEROSENE ADVANCED. Syditsy, March 5. The Necessary Commodities Commission has recommended an increase of sixpence per case in petroleum and kerosene, owing to the increased freights from America. COLLAPSE IN PRICE OP DRINKS. Sydney, March 5. The recent rise in the price's of drinks has largely collapsed. The bulk of the publicans have reverted to the old order of rates. LEAVE TO APPEAL GRANTED. London, March 4. In the case Bull and others versus the Attorney-General of New South Wales, special loavo to appeal to the Privy Council was granted. BIG HOTEL BURNT. Copenhagen, March 4. The Hotel d'Angleterre was 'burnt down. The 200 guests narrowly escaped 1 . A DEAL IN MUTTON. (Rec. March 5, 8.55 p.m.) Sydney, March 5. Mr. Flowers, Minister of Publio Health, states that the mutton deal was solely between the Imperial and Stato authorities l without the intervention of middlemen.