AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

VUSIRALIAN AND N. 7.. CABLE ASSOCIATION

CHINESE SHIPPING STRIKE

BRISBANE, Feb. 28

The steamer Taiyuaii, brings details of a shipping strilet? in China. It started on January 3rd, and was in full swing when the Taiyuan left Hongkong on February 24th. Over 1(50 vessels were idle. The coastal shipping was completely paralysed, though there were signs that the strikers could not hold out long r. The chief cause of the trouble is the workers’ demand for increased wages. Up to 30 per cent is ask’d in some cases. EARTH TREMORS. MELBOURNE, -March 1 An earthquake of local origin, has been recorded at Melbourne. Its total duration was one minute. The .record shows that its centre was within 100 miles of Melbourne. The shock was not violent. LABOR CAMPAIGN. •Received This Day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 2 Labour leaders including Mr Theodore, opened the Sydney campaign with crowded meetings at the Town Hall to-night. MR DOOLEY’S POLICY. SYDNEY, March 1. Mr Dooley, Premier, has announced that the Government have decided to declare Anzac Day a national holiday. Mr Dooley has also stated that it was intended to legislate to give effect to the recommendations of the recent Railway Commission,

WHEAT POOL BUNGLE

ADELAIDE, March I

1 in the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice delivered judgment oil claims for compensation oii account of the wheat pool by holders of certificates and farmers for losses through alleged negligence on the part of the Government handling of wheat. Over £1,000,000 was involved. The Chief Justice ruled that a speculator had no locus standi. He simply bought certificates entitling him to whatever dividends might be paid subsequently, hut the farmers who delivered wheat and still held certificates had a claim, but they had to prove negligence.

BETTER PLAGUE REPORT

BRISBANE, March 1

Another plague rat has been discovered. but there have been no human cases for some weeks. Ihe plague hospital here is now empty.

GUILTY OF manslaughter. .MELBOURNE. March 1. Baker, (whose case wiis cabled on Jan 2nd), was found guilty of manslantrliter, and was sentenced to live years’ imprisonment.

SAMOAN’S CRITICISM. • Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 2

Interviewed by the “Herald.” Mr H. Rba, a Samoan planter visiting Sydney, repeats the usual charges against the New Zealand administration in Samoa. H e declares tlie administration foisted upon this fair group has been a dismal failure. Never will Samoa do any good under New Zealand administration. Tie* only solution is for the British Government to take over the mandate and appoint a Colonial Office man, and make a clean sweep of the present officials. That is what Samoans want.

JAP A N ESE ST ATE* I ENT. SYDNEY, March 2

The Consul General for Japan publishes an official cable announcing that under the terms of the Washington Conference, Japan is forthwith discontinuing fortifications of Bonin Islands and Batamio Sliinia, hut maintaining fortifications and naval bases at Formosa and Pescidares.

SCENE AT LABOR RALLY. (Received This Dav at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY. March 2, A scene occurred at the Labour rallj at tbe Town Hall. Several women unfolded banners urging liquor reform. The banners were snatched away and destroyed. Mr Theodore states Queensland has been humbugged by Mr Hughes, m connection with land settlement for immigrants. The Commonwealth has not been asked to make any concessions to Queensland, only to co-operate in raising loan money. After dawdling for a year it is obvious the Commonwealth did not mean business. IN CONFLICT. SYDNEY, March 2. A conflict has arisen between the Commonwealth and Slate over the rightful authority to grade export butter. The Commonwealth hitherto graded. and the State is now prohibiting export unless submitted to State officials for grading. The Commonwealth retaliated by refusing to permit export until the State mark was removed. The dispute is causing concern in butter circles.

SUGAR DEFICIT. MELBOURNE, March 2

The deficit sustained by the Com- I monwealth importing sugar to make up the Queensland shortage for two sea- . sons totals two millions. The only • hope to recoup is by maintaining the | retail price at sixpence till 1923. ; SHIPPING MOVE. MELBOURNE, March 2. It is understood the Oceanic Steamship Company is claiming a. higher subsidy from United States Government, i It is contemplating increasing the fleet j if satisfactory arrangements are made. SUGAR CONTROL. ] BRISBANE, March 2. j The Sugar Council passed a. resolution that no increase in the price of sugar under the present agreement is necessary, hut an assurance was asked from the Commonwealth that the agreement be renewed for five years.