AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1918, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[VKTt P’-tISSS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.]

LOSS BY LATE STRIKE. TAUSTRALIAN A" NCAPi.IS ASSOCIATION] SYDNEY. Feb. (5. The l official weport of the UnderSecrotary of Labour estimates that the late strike cost the community up to nine millions. Altogether 7.3,500 employees actively participated, forfc : t : o £1,700,00 in wages, besides large numgers who were indirectly affected. The direct cost to the Government for expedients in counter-acting the effects of the strike was £98,000 besides providing £20.000 for relief of strike distress.

The combined unions’ fund provided another £23,000 and the Lord Mayor’s Fund £5,931 for relief.

THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS

(Received This Dav at 9.50. a.m.) BRISBANE Februray 6. The Barcoo river is rising rapidly. Longreach on the Thompson river is threatened with serious flood.

A COPPER PURCHASE.

MELBOURNE, February 16

Premier Hughes has announced the British Ministry of Munitions has purchased the copper output to .Tune of this year, excepting such as is required for local consumption. The purchase volves an outlay of C 2.150,000 sterling.

TO CONTROL ~ COAL SUPPLY

Rece'vo.l Tin’s f)»v ”i 950 a.m

MELBOURNE, February (!,

The conference between the representative of the State Government shipping and Coal Board is considering the formation of a coal pool by the board consisting of a Federal officer with representatives of States to control the supply and transport of coal.