MISCELLANEOUS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1921, Page 2

MISCELLANEOUS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

CUTTING DOWN WAGES*. SYDNEY, March 28

The Hon. J. Dooley states the New South Wales Government knows efforts arc being made to reduce wages, but the Government would fight the move tooth and nail.

In addition to the Mt Morgan Mining Co in Queensland, the Mt. Lyell Co. in Tasmania is proposing a 44-hour week and a 10 to 15 per cent, reduction in wages.

AMERICAN PLANTERS CRIMES NEW YORK, March 29.

The Federal and State authorities of Atlanta, including the Governor, have taken up the work of investigating the alleged peonage system. Eleven dead bodies of negroes have already been found, but it is expected that the number killed will total 40. The manner of peonage operated has not yet been made clear. The facts appear to be that a man named Williams, who is the owner of a plantation of 4000 acres of tillable land, would pay th e fines of negroes who were gaoled for small offences, and then take the men off to work, in files on ITis farm. He conducted these "operations in many towns throughout the upper country. It is probable he overworked the negroes, and fearing they would yeport him to the authorities, had them killed. Hie National Press is shocked at the peonage charges, pointing out the nation has supposed slavery was wiped out by the civil war.

THE NAVAL QUESTION. LO NDON, March 28

The “Morning Post” commenting on the New Zealand Naval Board, just set up, says: “Its constitution is a step of great importance in view of the proximity of the Imperial Conference.” The paper assumes that one of the first duties of the Board will he to prepare some scheme for New Zealand to participate in Imperial defence.