GENERAL CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 352, 28 February 1902, Page 2

GENERAL CABLES.

LONDON, Feb. 2G

In the House of Commons, Mr Morton, a Liberal, moved that halfyearly returns be made of cases where the hours worked by railway servants are beyond twelve a day, also of cases where the men resume work at less than nine hours’ interval. Mr Richard Bell, labor member, and a member of the Railway Employes’ Association, in seconding the resolution. cited statistics showing the relation of over-work to fatal accidents. The House favored the resolution. Mr Jackson, Conservative, Chairman of the Great Northern Railway* Company, opposed the motion on the grounds that the returns asked for would entail immense labor and expense on the railway companies. Mr Gerald Balfour suggested that the motion should be amended, providing for a return similar to that under the Act of 1889 in the case of servants whose duty involved the safety of trains and passengers, and cases" of resumption at intervals below eight hours. If the hours were found 'to compare unfavorably with the returns furnished in 1893, the House could take further action. The limitation proposed by Mr Bal■four was not accepted, and the resolu'tion was carried by 151 to 144, amidst loud Opposition cheers. The defeat of the Government was accidental, as it was understood earlier m the evening that the motion, with a verbal amendment, would he accepted ; hence many Government supporters were absent. The majority in the division included nine Liberal Unionists. A meeting of Catholics at Capetown protested against the terms of the access ion oath. The Ameer’s agent at Simlali and the Ameer’s postmaster at Peshawar,, have been re-called for alleged defalcations. A report from Peshawar states that the Ameer is providing a residence for Hadda Mullah near the Indian frontier. PARIS, Feb. 26. A great celebration on the occasion of the centenary of Victor Hugo is proceeding in France. NEW YORK, Feh. 26. The United Slates Senate passed the Philippine tariff bv 46 to 26. SYDNEY, Feh. 27. The Daily Telegraph, dealing with Mr Berkeley’s crusade, says it was the Commonwealth’s manifest interest to oppose what in a sense would he alienation of the islands, for, though New Zealand was not a foreign country nationally, for political purposes it is so, and to have the islands status quo maintained. This need not mean the continuance of legalised" slavery, or other grievances which tiie Fijians complain of, and which they have a right to expect the Imperial Government to redress. All that it would tie would be opposition to the control of important parts of Australasia passing finally to a colonial Government and away from the Commonwealth, which may reasonably insist on being consulted before any such serious step. Referring to the question of naval contributions from the colonies, the Daily Telegraph says if we participate in the responsibilities of Imperial naval defence that ultimately we will have to be on the same footing as the taxpayers of the United Kingdom, and' will require some voice and control in national institutions. There is one other alternative, and that is the creation of an Australian navy, maintained on the same basis as we maintain our own army. This would lift the Commonwealth from a state of vassalage which in regard to the navy it occupies, and into which it would by increased tribute be further sunk. A navy provided by our own taxpayers, controlled by our own sailors, would be much more effective in the service of the Empire than any gift of money such as might within the bounds of reason be accepted.’

MELBOURNE, Feb. 27

The section of the Pacific cable from Australia to New Zealand will he opened on April Ist. The rates will be the same as are charged by the Eastern Extension Company. No competition rates are expected unless tne company tries to prevent the Federal authorities securing business. Some time ago Mr Barton received an assurance from the Imperial Government that they would appoint a resident at the New Hebrides to watch I Britisli interests. As nothing has yet been done Mr Barton has cabled to the Home authorities. Mr Barton has received a letter front Mr Lewis, of Tasmania, protesting against the prohibition of sweeps until the Federal High Court is established to give means of redress. Mr George Adams has also written, stating that when the High Court is established lie will seek to obtain an injunction, and will, if necessary, carry the matter to the Privy Council. The Ohram has 23 Austrians and five Italians for New Zealand.