LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1917, Page 1

LATE NEWS.

Peb Pbess association.—-Ooptbioh* Federal Election MELBOURNE, March 6. ■ lhe Governor General has accepted Premier Hughes advice to dissolve Parliament. Mr. Hughes announced that the position now is that members of the. House and senators retiring in the end of June will proceed to the country forthwith. The Government intends to ask parliament for the necessary supply, ana to make arrangements for taking soldiers votes abroad, also to deprive alien enemies of their votes. In the course of a lengthy statement Mr Hughes said that the people of Australia demanded representation in the Imperial Conferences, and he could now disclose that the delegates had intended leaving to-night. Shipping Move. , SYDNEY, March 6. The Shipping Controller has notiiiea shipowners engaged in the Australian and Now Zealand trades of his intention to take over the control of all tonnage engaged therein. , It is understood that this step is taken to ensure their most economical and advantageous use. Owners are to retain the managemeat, and a committee is to collaborate with the Controller in regard to tub disposition of ships. If the Controller transfers any vessels for employment with the countries nearest to the United Kingdom this committee will advise as to the best means of re-arranging the programme for vessels left in the Australian and New Zealand trade.

A programme for homeward loading from Australasia should he placed in the hands of a central committee of agents and will possibly be entrusted to two committees now administering the programme for refrigerated tonnage.

Similar action respecting other trades is under consideration, and will be put into operation as soon as possible.

rIAWKES BAY ELECTION.

Warming Up. HASTINGS, March G As election day comes nearer the campaign grows keener and the public interest is not abated one bit hv the retirement of Mr. Fraser, who is holding the meetings on his own itinerary, but appealing for support for Sir John Findlay instead of himself. Mr. Simson advertises an invitation to the Hon. MacDonald to attend his meeting to-morrow night to defend hintself against a statement made by Mr. Simson as regards that Minister’s methods, at the Liberal Convention. The Minister has replied to the challenge by making a' statement in the advertising columns of the press. Sir John Findlay replies to critics to-night in his second speech at Hast-

ings. ~ To-morrow night whilst Mr. Simson is addressing lus constituents at the Municipal Theatre, the Hon. MacDonold and Mr. Fraser will he addressing a mass meeting at the Princess Theatre in Sir John Findlay’s behalf. Public opinion varies as to wliat the result will be.