AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1921, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. OABI.E ASSOCIATION. FKDFRAI, POLITICS. MELBOURNE. November 24. [n the House of Representatives Mr -Hughes announced the Ministry had decided that it was desirable that Government should cease to lie owners of plantations in mandated territories of Papua and they would he offered for sale. Special provisions would lie made to give preference to soldier purchaser's. Mi' Hughes stated lie hoped to introduce the Bill this week.

THE MERVK'Y CASE. MELBOURNE, Nov. 24. 11 men were committed for trial at Mildura in connection with the Hervey tar and feather case cabled on 26th. Octolrer.

RAILWAY LOSSES: PERTH, November 24. 11l connection with the railwayiuen s claims for improved conditions, evidence was given {in the Arbitration Court oil behalf of Commissioners that during the past five years, the railways were run at a loss of £1,700,000. Last year’s loss was C 40.000 and if the men’s demands are granted it- would mean the loss would he enormously heavier.

3 PLAGUE DEATHS. BRISBANE, Nov. 25 Three deaths due to plague, were re ported in the city yesterday.

SOLDIERS’ PREFERENCE. (Received This Day at 0» a.m.) SYDX EY, November 25. A Bill terminating preference of employment to soldiers, fathered by Mr Cairn. Minister- of Mines, himself a returned soldier, met with hitter opposition particularly from soldier members on the opposition side. Ihe chief reasons advanced in support ol the hill were that the position in regard to returned men had become normal, therefore there was no need to continue preference and tlmt the employment of returned men unable to prVifoi'in work had largely increased its cost. Another argument was that men wearing returned badges were placed at » disadvantage in obtaining work, employers regarding the badges as an indication that they had lost their ability. Opponents described the Bill as scandalous and declared the whole attitude' of Government was to deny not only soldiers, hut the loyalists who stood by them, tile prefuren*e due them.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. /Received This Day at 10. In n.iti.l SYDNEY. Nov. 25. The Diocesan Synod discussed the appointineiir ot a r oriiiuill *-e lo consider •1 1 ill the d" I* i roills lion ol i<■l" '■ 1 11to nexus i|t|"’st ion Several ,peakeis oppos'd tlb Mis proposal as it meant paving tile way to rutting the painter. The debate was adjourned. MEL BOURNE. Nov. 25 The Consul General for America states Mj Harding has expressed a desire to Mi Sheldon. Australian Trade Commissioner, that lie might he able to visit Australia at the first opportunity.