Australian Cables.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 January 1914, Page 3

Australian Cables.

I PER ritESS ASSOCIATION. i

(By our Resident .Representative) (Received This Day 10.5 a.111.) Sydney, Tliis Day. Tiie Builders' Labourers' federation award is operating in all States, excepting 1 Westralia. It fixes the minimum wages at Is 4£d per hour, and reduces the hours to 44 weekly. it increases the wages by -J7A per cent. The master builders describe the award as a bomb, and intend to appeal to the High Court. Bl : SH FIRES. There are bush fires in niauy districts, and the settlers round Albury and Gerinanton are heavy losers. A GOOD SAVE. Details supplied by tlie Japanese steamer Inaha Maru, which towed oft' the Tasman through th-; agency of Pilot Wilson, sh >ws the feat to be one of the finest saves on the . Australian coast. The vessel and cargo is valued at i £200,000, and though in a dangerous position escaped by careful handling with only small damage. FRAUD ALLEGED. A Royal Commission has been appointed to enquire into the'election for the Macquame seat in the Assmebly on the ground of alleged electoral frauds. ROWING TROUBLES. The New So.uth Wales Rowing League has considered Albany's letter asking for the league's opinion on his action in challenging Barry for the championship. In view of the fact that it was a bona fide challenge and made before Paddon interposed and had called upon Barry to cover a £200 deposit; the opinion was expressed that Barry should row Albany. A resolution was adopted that the League considered Barry's claim of £500 for the championship was unreasonable, arid considered the £200 as specified quite sufficient. SUSPENDED. Owing to the alleged official bluuders in 'the final announcement of the Local Option vote in the late elections, the officials have been suspended. INCREASED. Perth, This Day. The population of Western Australia is an increase over last year of 15,1^0.