AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 31, 6 February 1901, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

FEDERATION AND FREETRADE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, last night. A meeting of Cabinet at the end of the week will consider what attitude the Federal Government shall take up with regard to the islands of the Pacific. Mr Reid, in his speech last night, said the question of the future was whether Victoria or New South Wales was going to lead in the tariff cause. He strongly deprecated the want of definiteness of the Federal Ministry in enunciating a fixed tariff issue. He intended to see whether the people would choose between Mr Barton and himself as Federal Premier. The coal trimmers at Newcastle struck last night as a protest against the Railway Department inflicting fines on masters of vessels who suspended loading on Saturday, despite it being proclaimed a day of mourning. The railway authorities, who control the cranes, at the request of the colliery proprietors and shipping agents, decided to continue loading. The trimmers, however, refused work, and operations had to be stopped. The matter was referred to the Chief Secretary, who promised in the name of the Government that the fines would be remitted. It is oxpected that work will be resumed to-day. Melbourne, last night. The Indian Contingent is aboard the Dalhousie, which sailed • yesterday for Wellington. All the Queen’s Councillors have been re-sworn King’s Councillors.