AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

| AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION , HOBSON BAY’S CREW. SYDNEY, April 24. The crew of the Commonwealth State steamer Hobson Bay have been paid off. Those belonging to the Australian Sermon's Union were invited to sign on again. This offer was availed off by the stewards. The seamen and firemen from Eng- | land, however, have refused to sign . on. They state it was not worth the j risk, as, if tliev had done so, they ■ would be black-listed. I WAGE-CUTTING. SYDNEY, April 25. The Board of Trade has published a report on an apprenticeship scheme by , which it aims at bridging tlio gulf between the ago of 14 and manhood, while at the same time steering clear of “dead end” occupations. The report recommends the abolition of all arbitrary rules specifying the number of apprentices to be allowed It urges a compulsory continuance of education until the age of 18. It recommends a uniform wage, hearing in mind the cost of sustenance of the apprentice. Meanwhile, the report aims at reducing many of the extravagant minimum rates prescribed in industrial agreements. Provision is also recommended for having apprentices of any age. It is also suggested that tribunals be established whose purpose would bo to determine the aptitude of young sters leaving school.

DROUGHT BROKEN. SYDNEY, April 24. The spell of several week’s fine weather lias been broken by heavy showers in the city. There is also fairly general rain in the Riverina.