AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2808, 28 June 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

STATE WHEAT SHIPS MR. HUGHES' BUYS FIFTEEN STEAMERS. By Telograpji-Prees Association-Copyright Melbourne, Juno 27. It is stated in Ministerial, circles that while in England Mr. Hughes completed arrangements for the purchase of a number of ships with which to institute a Commonwealth-owned steamship line for the transport of tho present wheat harvest. . • (Rec. June 21, 8.45 p.m.) London, Juno 27. Mr. Hughes has confirmed tho, report that the Commonwealth has purchased fifteen modern 8000-ton cargo steamers. , IDENTITY OF THE VESSELS. (Rec. June 27, 10.50 p.m.) London, June 27. • The names of the purchased vessels are the Stratliendrick, Strathavon, Strathairly, Strathford, Strathleven, Strathdee, Strathspey, Strathgarry, Strathberg, Strathesk, Ardangorm, Ardanmhor, Vermont, Dalton Hall, and Kirkoswald. Te transaction caused a flutter in the market. Many of the purchased vessels are now in Government employ, but will bo sent to Australia as they become available.

THE WHEAT POOL. (Rec. June 27, 11.35 p.m.) Melbourne, June 27. The Wheat Board has decided to wind up the wheat.pool at the end of September, and form another pool to deal with noxt season's crop. NAVAL COALING CORPS. TO GET OVER THE STRIKE NUISANCE. Melbourne, June 27. The Naval Coaling Corps commences operations on July 1. The agreement provides that under no oircumstances is work to cease or a striko extend to the battalion, wliile engaged on a naval vessel. It gives the Navy Department first call oa the labour of eaoh member. The union officials have been given honorary rank in the Naval Reserve. THE FIRST TEST. (R*c. June 27, 11.15 p.m.) Melbourne, June 27. Sir. Jensen, Minister for the Navy, refused to accede to a demand by the" Sea- • men's Union to pay firemen on ships overtime rates, for dumping ashes. The crews were then withdrawn, and Mr. Jensen immediately replaced them with naval reservists. The ships-«ailed.