AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

JUSTRAIiIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

ACTION APPROVED. SYDNEY, April 27. The action of a number of hotel-kee-pers in voluntarily closing their hotels during the whole of Anzac Day, met with much commendation. The closed hotels displayed across the front sign, the words “Lest we Forget.”

ELECTION OF SPEAKER. SYDNEY, April 27. The election of Air Levy to the Speakership was responsible for a bitter debate. Air AVilson in moving bis election, said he wanted to deny that the position was being given to Mr Levy as a reward for bis action in stepping down from the chair, and bringing about the dissolution of Parliament.

Air Conn considered Air Levy bad not proved himself an impartial Speaker. He had lowered the dignity of Parliament, and now was being given the position as part of the bargain. It was highly undignified that a man occupying the position of Speaker should bo carrying on business as a solicitor, which carried him into the Police Court where doubtless, he would be engaged defendant drunks and others charged with disorderly conduct. Mr AlcGin- declared Air Levy obtained ' nomination because he held documents, which it made public, would bring Sir G. Fuller and the members of his Alinistry down on their knees to plead forgiveness. There were reasons why the other side did not dare nominate any of lieu man. He congratulated Air Levy on being able to work any Government in power. A majority of tbe speakers, including the leader of the Progressives and Opposition members spoke favourably of Air Levy’s qualifications. Sir G. Fuller in congratulating him said Government supported him for one reason only, that they were picking out the one man above all others. From what they knew of his actions in the chair, bo was tbe most capable of filling the position.

A SYDNEY AI ORDER. SYDNEY, April 27. John Curran has been found guilty of murdering Thomas Hogan, Mayor of Moree (cabled April 12th), and has been sentenced to death. Tlie defence entered a plea of insanity. Accused, giving evidence, blamed Hogan, for the loss of the stadium which he built at Moree, but for which ho failed to obtain a license to hold boxing contests and went .shearing. While ho was away Hogan as Mayor, obtained the permission of the Chief .Secretary, broke the locks of the stadium and held boxing contests for patriotic purposes, lie demanded to see Hogan’s authority for entering, and during the altercation Ihe tragedy occurred.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS. ■Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 28. Under the Government’s country development plan, it is understood the first scheme adopted will apply to Murray River lands, where 9,650,000 acres are at present held under grazing leases carrying an average of a sheep to 30 acres, will be available. Except about twenty per cent of the whole of this is considered useable lor wheat growing. In addition, there are some 300,000 acres which it is proposed to place under irrigation and divide into small blocks, for intense cultivation. Three railways, involving three hundred miles of lines, with three bridges across the Murray to link up with, the Victorian lines, will he required to bring the areaunder close settlement. Members of Cabinet unofficially state the ( oninioiiwealtli and Imperial Government approve, and will provide the necessary monev.

LAW OF COMPENSATION. SYDNEY, April 28

A black hoy in Sydney was recently killed in attempting to stop a runaway horse. .Members of the City Council desired to vote 650 to the relatives,Jn recognition of the hemic action. The City Solicitor ruled that the Council had no power to vote the money for such purpose. If the hoy had been kllctl accidentally a claim for compensation would have hold.

verbrfggen's tour. SYDNEY, April 28

Further advices from United Stales report Herr Verbruggen has bom offered the conductoi ship of Minneapolis Orchestra for ten weeks at £IOO ster--1 j,, o weekly. The Board representing the guarantors and subscribers decided that as the engagement would run into the 1922 season, Verbruggen be called on to readjust the terms of his contract with New South Wales Government.

HOBSON BAY CREW. SYDNEY, April 28

The Hobson’s Bay dispute reached head when the Chief Officer select.fifteen deck hands, not included in tli - Union’s ballot. Johnson (assistant Secretary of the Seamen’s Union) accompanied forty-five men selected by the Union and approached the tabl and prevented the signing. The ship’s officers thereupon ordered Johnson from the ship. The latter, appealing to the forty-five said: “’lbis is the first time an official of the Union lias been ordered from a ship. 1 am going, von may follow.” All then left. The full complement of cooks, 1 akers and stewards signed on, hut not toe deck hands or firemen. It is anticipated in consequence of the trouble, that the vessel will not sail on time.