Australian.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1917, Page 3

Australian.

Peb Press Association.— Copteishi Labor’s Attitude. SYDNEY, Fob. t>. Mr Dooley, discussing tho industrial position with the Newcastle Labour Council, strongly condemned the tendency of tho younger members of tho unions, without responsibilities, absenting themselves from tho meetings, thereby allowing those of anarchic tendencies to get control. Many unions are leaving their management in the hands of a noisy minority, and if this continued an amendment to the Trades Union Act invalidating all decisions by ballot unless carried by a certain proportion of tho mom tiers, will bocomo inevitable, and tho State must in many other ways step in and control unionism, unless evidence is forthcoming of the determination of th« majority of unionists to help the Government to maintain the Arbitration system. The amendment law would probably bo in the direction of a limitation of the system, fixing hare minimum wages. He urged tho pressing necessity of unionists realising tho financial and economic effects of the war, which would need the continuity of work in all branches of industry. Returned Soldiers.

(Received Feb 6, at 8.55 a.m.) Sydney, Feb 6 Inquiries in connection with tho re-establishing of returned soldiers, show that up to the end of December, of 61,008 concerned in New South Wales, 21,435 have been provided forOf the remaiader 27,002 desire positions and 11,789 desire ts settle on land. Medical ProfessionMelboorne, Feb 6 In view of the coming Allied offensive the Australian medical profession favours a complete mobilisation of the entiie profession, with the object of securing all available for service abroad. A Board to Enquire. (Received Feb 6, at 8.55 a.m.) Melbourne, Feb 6 On the re-assembling of tbe Federal Parliament on Thursday a motion will be submitted for tbe appointment of a Board to enquire into naval and military expenditure, as the sums in-.-volved are of such magnitude that there is a necessity for the closest oontrol. It is urgently felt that an enquiry has become imperative. Heavy Rains Sydney, Feb 6 Gem-ral soaking rains have fallen for several days and continue. Farther heavy falls are reported in Queensland where a recurrence of tbe fleods ia fea-ed.

The Wheat Pool, Melbourne, Feb 6 • To the end of January, tha wheat pool received 53,798,000 bags of the 1915- crop and 553,000 bags of the 1916- crop, while the stocks held by millers and shipping agents are 24,015,000 big*. A Straight Tip. Perth, Feb 6 The Premier told the Labor Federation deputation that be wag opposed to their proposp.l that State trading concerns should not be disposed of, and he would not alter his policy one iota. committed for Forgery (Received Fdb 6, at 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, Feb 6 Howell Pries was committed for trirl on the charges of forgery cabled on Jan 25th. Maternity Allowance Melbourne, Feb 6 'Mr Poynton i 3 considering a plan to enable th 9 mother to convert tbe maternity allowance into a war loan payment being deferred until the child is 21 years old, when the money at compound interest at s}& per annum will be paid. The scheme will operate uutil the end of the war.

Federal Politics. Melbourne, Feb 6 The Liberals, after considering Mr Hughea’ coalition proposal, postponed a decision until afier the meeting of the Tudor Party ou Wednesday. A Labor Threat Melbourne, Feb 6 Sanalor Lynch has been notified by the West Australian Labor Federation that unless he renounces Mr Hughes within a month ha will be expelled from the party. Uueer.biani Floods Brisbane, Feb 6 A message from Oharleville states that all- tbe rivers are Hooded. Railway traffic is impeded, but there is no loss of life.