AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1919, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

fAUSTRALIAN A M.Z. TABLE ASSOCIATION] GREAT WELCOME HOME. SYDNEY, May 21. The first section of the Australian Fleet, comprising the cruiser Melbourne an six destroyers, arrived in Sydney today, They had a great reception as they proceeded up the Harbour. After a long vigil, despite continuous rain, crowds gathered on the wharves to welcome the crews. DEMAND FOR PRODUCE. SYDNEY, May 21. In view of the strike and of a probable shortage of supplies, there is tlie keenest demand here -for all classes of produce. Prices are now advancing.

STRANDED IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, May 21. The stranded New Zealanders Committee lias cabled Sir J. Allen, stating tlie development of shipping trouble at Sydney makes the repatriation of the New Zealanders imperative and asks him to arrange that the Makura, sailing on Thursday will carry passengers the Government of New Zealand to compensate the Union Co., if necessary, for possible delay in quarantine or suggesting some other vessel in Wellington Harbour could b« used for quarantine purposes.

POSITION IN MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, May 21. The unloading of a number of idle vessels here has not so far been interfered with. Manycarters and others dependent on shipping are already idled, FEDERAL INTERVENTION. MELBOURNE, May 21. On the application of the Controller of Shipping, the Federal Arbitration Court has decided to intervene in the shipping dispute, and has called a compulsory conference of the parties for Monday next. The application is made on the grounds of the public interest.

SYDNEY DROUGHT BROKEN. (Received this day at tO.lo a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Rain embraces the wh >le Stair There are splendid falls, many in the far west and other drought-stricken di.tricts. The outlook is greatly improved I THE SEAMEN’S STRIKE. (Received this day at 10. Id a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The crews of six vessels, including one oversea slup, have given tuentyfour hours’ notice of their intentions to leave the vessels. The waterside workers have not yet discussed the position, but they resent the action of the seamen in precipitating the trouble. Coastal steamship owners are request ing the Minister of Labour, under the Arbitration Act to take a compulsory secret ballot among the seamen to ascertain whether the majority favours a strike, as they believe the men will voi,overwhelmingly against.

CONFLICTS OCCUR. MELBOURNE, Phis Day. Several conflicts have occurred on the wharves, between unionists and loyal ists. Several of the latter were inju* ed After much disorder the unionists drove the loyalists from the north wharf, causing a stoppage of work on two steamers. Returned soldier union, ists have decided to discontinue work ing on the wharf with loyalists.

MR WATT’S ACTION. MELBOURNE, THs Day. Owing to the lack of publicity given to statements emanating from his Department, Mr Watt has decided that no further Government news be given lo the press. CLOSING DOWN. BRISBANE, This Day. As a result of the shortage of shipping allotted to Australia, all Queensland meat works have decided to close.