AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1922, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN.

\tJHTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLK ASSOCIATION

A SHIPPING TROUBLE. SYDNEY, April 27. The trouble on the Commonwealth liner Hobson’s Bay, is regarded as an attempt by the seamen to impose a system of job control. A ballot taken J,v tho Seamen’s Union decided that members should individually present themselves for engagement. I t was also decided that the original crew of tlie steamer should not he allowed to participate" ia the ballot, or again rejoin her. Later, seamen and firemen sent by the Union presented themselves for engagement. but the management insisted on selecting their own crew, the men selected by the Union being rejected. Only three signed on, a lively scene following, hut the C oinpany remained firm. Jt is now stated that tho Company has resolved to advertise for a crew, rather than submit to dictation by the Union. An attempt was also made by the Stewards’ Association to prevent members of the Union who were engaged for the Hobson’s Bay, from commencing work. These men however, ignored the directions of the Union officials, and went aboard, where they held a meeting and officially notified the Assothey were determined to stav aboard.

MINE OWNERS’ TERMS. SYDNEY, April 27. The new terms which the New South Wales coal owners ask the miners to >,icrept include the following conditions: — (1) Tho restoration of front, and hack shifts. (2) The abolition of the cavilling system, or else a. 12 months’ cavil. (;]) That machines he used in pillar work when required. (4) That if the management desires it. the employees shall work six days each week. (5) That the hours of flic surface workers shall lie calculated exclusive of meal times. (6) That tlie hours of underground and contract shall he calculated from the time the last man descends until the first man ascends in each shift. (7) That the distributing of coal free, or below selling price, to householders he discontinued. (8) That only six recognised holidays yearly shall he observed. (9) That the hours for hack Saturdays be raised from- six to eight. The conference at which this offer was made lias adjourned, to allow the miners’ representatives to place it before the miners’ lodges. The conference will resume at an early date, when tlie miners’ attitude is disclosed.

BARQUE MISSING. SYDNEY, April 27. Fears are felt for the safety of the barque Maimrewa, now 27 days out from Sydney to Clarence River on route to New Zealand. Although equipped with wireless, which was overhauled before sailing, no word of her has been received since her departure. The theory is advanced that as there was a strong southerly gale the (lax after she left, her aerials may have boon carried away and the vessel blown far out of her course and then becalmed.

The Manurewa was in ballast, bi€ bad sufficient provisions to last lid on the return trip to New Zealand. She also bad plenty of water. COSTLY IRRIGATION.

SYDNEY. Anri' 27. The officers of the Auditor-General’s Department, reporting on the Murruinbidgee irrigation areas, state that the loss on the areas to date totals C 1,498,951. The loss for the past year was C 117,399. and the trading loss, including interest for the same period was C 103,254. The losses are described as “calamitous,” and the question is raised as to whether the State lias adequate security lor the vast sums involved.

N.S.W. FINANCE. SYDNEW, Api il 27. In the Now South Wales Assembly, Mr Cocks (Finance .Minister) moved the ieiniposition of the super-tax. ’ e sain there was a deficit of over 65,000,000 with which the Government was faced. It included Cl,(MX) ,000 on the wheat pools, with a further con tingency of €‘500,000. This loss was the result of a promise of payment ol 7s (id pet bushel on wheat to the farmers under the pool, and over payments. Replying to a contention that the super-tax "would cast an undue burden upon the primary producers, the Minister declared that if the House refused to endorse the measure, the Cl ,000,000 involved would so hamper the Government that it would be impossible for

it to carry on. Mr Cocks also announced that. £0,900,000 of loan money was tailing due in’London by October. The laic (Dooley) Government bad been negotiating for the floating of a conversion loan of ;C5,000,000. The Government had been advised this money could ! )c secured at 90, but it bad decided the terms were not sufficiently Livouinble. Further negotiations were proceeding to secure the same terms as those recently secured by New Zealand si r CL Fuller (Premier) declared that the super-tax was essential, but be hoped this would be tbe last year it would

be necessary. An attempt was made to reduce the tax from Od to 3d. After a protracted debate, tbe gag was applied several times.. Tbe Bill was Anally passed through

all stages. Trouble over the Members salaries Reduction Kill arose on a proposal to make it retrospective from Match 20. There was much caustic criticism of the measure from members generally,

Sir G. Fuller finally undertook to make the Bill operative from May 1, and to take it through fill stages at one sitting.

FULLER’S LAND POLICY. SYDNEY, April 27

Cabinet approved a set of proposals by Sir G. A. Fuller for extensive conn try developmental work, in which be is seeking the co-operation of the federal Government. They include preparing lands for settlement and training farms, and irrigation schemes which will provide work for the unemployed and immigrants. Special attention is being directed to the Murray-Hallex lands in New South V\ ales and the Crown lands between the great northern railway and the north coast tailway; also hydro-electric schemes at Burrinjuck and Clarence River. Sir G. AY. Fuller is seeking to secure an agreement with the Federal Government, and if necessary, the British Government, to finance the scheme.

LIBEL ACTION SETTLED. SYDNEY, April 27. ‘ \ settlement has been affected in the claim bv Aldermant Bramston foi £IO,OOO damages for alleged libel against Smith’s Weekly newspaper. DISPUTE ON STEAMER. SYDNEY, April 27. The. steamer Coolanda sailed for New Zealand. She is loaded with coal, delay occurred over the question of her trimming, which held her up since Friday. The firemen demanded the appointment of three trimmers. The company ultimately agreed and three ti burners wore provided.

LABOUR WORLD. SYDNEY, April 27. A special Court, under the Eight Hours Amendment Act, has refused to grant an application for an extension of the 44-hour week to the employers of the Broken Hill Proprietary Steel works at Newcastle. Justice Beeby, in giving tlie decision stated it was not expedient at present to make any industrial change which would increase the cost of production. Foreign competition, lie said, bail again become a serious menace, which could only ho met by a further lowering of prices. The immediate problem was for the Company to achieve a producing cost which would enable it further to reduce its selling prices as the labour cost was the main element. There was a necessary for the Chmpanv’s employees coming to a new basis of wage payments, bearing a relation to the local average selling price of iron and steel.