LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1917, Page 1

LATE NEWS.

Feu Pbesß Association.—Copyeighx Federal Politics. SYDNEY, March 8. It is offically announced that Senator Strickland has been granted leave of absence from the mddle of April till November 25th when his term expires. MELBOURNE, March 8. Premier Hughes lias announced that the House dissolves on March 20, and nominations will close on April sth, witft the polling day on May sth. Pc lies Changes. WELLINGTON, March 8. Police changes are announced as follows : —Senior-Sergt. Trepon, or Newton, Auckland, retires on superannuation, and will be succeeded by Sem-or-Sergt. Rutledge of the chief station at Auckland; Senior-Sergt MeKeeley, lately at Hawera, succeeds Rutledge. Sergt. Waterman, Auckland, goes to Ponsonby, vice Sergt O’Grady, transferred to Waihi, and Sergt. Fraser or Napier goes to Thames. Labor ChargesWELLINGTON, March Bth. Charges are to be taken by the Labour Department against the freezing chamber hands in connection with the recent dispute at Westfield and Southdown freezing works. The men are charged under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, 1913, with failing to submit their dispute for investigation before ceasing work. This is the first case of its kind, and is different from the ordinary strike prosecutions. The Act mentioned does not prohibit the men from striking, hut requires that before doing so they shall submit tlie matter in dispute for invesigation, and then take a secret ballot before actually ceasing work. Shipping Settlement. , WELLINGTON, March 8. The Conference between the Shipown-

ers and the Federation of Seamen and Firemens’ Union was resumed to-day. There was a large attendance of both sides, and the Hon. 31 r. Russell (Minister for Marine) presided. After a lengthy discussion an agreement was arrived at, which will be embodied in the usual agreement which will be submitted to the Executive of the Union for ratification. The principal feature of the agreement will be the acceptance of an 8 hours’ day, which will lie universal, with the exception of vessels plying within the river and its extended limits mostly from Auckland. In the case of these vessels a weekly work will comprise. oO hours with the right of working ton hours on any one day, after which overtime at the rate of 2s per hour will be paid. In all other ships eight hours, will. constitute a' day’s work, overtime rates being paid after that number of hours have been worked. , The wages to he paid have been advanTjed for seamen by £1 15s per month, aud the universal rate of overtime will be, as already stated, 2s per hour. , Other minor alterations in the i.greement have been made. Generally the whole of the conditions of the Australian working arrangements have been adopted in New Zealand,