AUSTRALIAN

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1922, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN

ALoiIiALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. 44-lIOURS WEEK. SYDNEY, October 10. The lull Industrial Court has today unanimously granted three applications by the Hoskins Iron and Steel Company for a variation of the awards, to provide for a forty-cight-hours week, iustc d of a forty-four hours week. T. e judgment stated that a 48-hours week would In- awarded as ii the Fi.rtv-eiglit Hours Meek Amendment Act, of 1920. had not been passed; but it would be still open to the parties objecting to tbe 48-In urs week to offer any amendment, and it would l>o for the Court then to deckL* the relev. nev and value of such evidence us they tendered. X.S.W. MINERS. SYDNEY, Ot-*- 10. The Coal Tribunal lias (oimneiiced tlio hearing of the claim ol the colliery proprietors for a 33’, per cenl reduction in the hewing rate of wages, and for altered working conditions. The men’s representut.ivs strongly objected to the owners’ application being heard before the southern miners’ claims were heard. It was stated that men are willing to return to work mi the terms and conditions of the award. WOOL TOPS CASE. MELBOURNE. Oct. 9. The Full High Court has refused to grant an application of the Colonial Combing and Weaving Company- m attend the pleadings in the " Wool Tops ' case, which was decided against the claimants. It involves millings. WHEAT CROP. (Received this dav at 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY. October J|. The “Daily Telegraph” agricultural editor sounds a note of alarm regarding the New South Wales who it harvest. He says it is estimated 3.202.000 acres were sown for grain. The absence of spring rains over a groat part of the wheat belt threatens to cut the possible harvest down bv cue third or one half. Tie added that a break i in (be weather now with sufficient rain, j would mike a thirty million bcsholsj harvest possible. Willi a continuance 1 of phe hot weather now prevailing ' twenty-five millions may net lie realised. Til some districts large areas are I already beyond recovery and ethers 1 arc in a precarious condition in Rivprinn and south-west which will account for rather more tl.itn half the total acreage The outlook is for bumper yields, to half crop. COAL TROUBLE. CR:-( •eived this dav at 10.30 u.iit i SYDNEY. Oct 11. The Coal Tribunal lias ordered the whole ol the South Coast mines to lie re-opened immediately, and miners ta resume o.i pre-stoppage (onditions. PROFITEERING’ ACT. SYDNEY, Oct 11. Government arc introducing legislation this week to take the place of the Profiteering Act. The new act is designed to pmte- t tlm p' l le against •J'tivities of combines', ’trusts and monopolies. Penalties lor olfencts amount to £509 sterling, whilst a continuance of the offence is punishable by indicting further fcl(K) for cadi (lav’s continuance. RECIPROCITY. MELBOURNE. Oct 11. In the I louse of Representatives, the Minister of Customs explained that New Zealand reciprocity negotiations could he included immediately if Australia were prepared to make concessions which he considered too great. He would probably osk Parliament to make some concessions and pass the necessary legislation.

obituary. SYDNEY, Oct 11. Obituary.—Richard Heath, a member of t!u‘ Assembly in 1832. FREIGHT CHARGES. fßeceived this dav at 11.30 a.in.) SYDNEY. Oct 11. A representative deputation waited oil the Oversea Shipping Representatives Association ami asked for a. reduction in freights mi pastoral produce between Australia and United Kingdom, pointing to the fact that freights between Nuw Zealand and Britain were elfeaper than from Australia. Mr .1. B. Milne, spokesman for the Shipping Association explained that a reduction rested with the owners of ships not with the Association. The dilference between New Zealand and. Australian rates was influenced by the fact that New Zealand coast line was shorter, and loading could be accomplished in less time. New Zeahyid steamers shipped for United Kingdom ports, while Australian called at ( ontiunital ports. All kinds of produce was handled at the New Zealand ports. New Zealand wool was of less value, wages were lower and port dues lower.