AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1923, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

tUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SJUR BURNT. SYDNEY, Dee. 22. The Braesidc, a sister ship to the Burnside, both wooden schooners built during tiie war by tiie Commonwealth was taken outside the heads and burnt. The Burnside was never launched. She was reduced to ashes at her moorings last September. WORKERS’ CLAIM. SYDNEY, Dee. 22. Representatives ol the coke owners explained that the employees request amounts to a reduction of live hours weekly as the forty-eight hour week did not include meal Hours, but lor forty-liitee included half an hour daily for meals.

KILLED BY NATIY.ES. THURSDAY ISLAND, Dee. 2d. George Penrose and two natives were murdered by an unknown tribe ai Diggel river, Du toll New Guinea. Penrose was asleep in the camp when attacked. The two natives were oaten ami seven others were wounded but escaped ■ N.S.W. POLITICS. SYDNEY, Dee. 22. In t-he Legisluiive Council replying to si rung opposition to the monopolies Bill, wliif h aims at cheeking alleged profiteering and which the opponents varioiisiv describe as fantastic, dangeroil., and iniquitous Sir Joseph Carruliiers claimed that unions combines were at work, instancing building material and wire netting, resulting in the Government and people having to pay prohibitive prices. The hill passed tin* final stages l>v twenty-seven votes to. twentv.

YI CTO RIAN WAG FAC MELBOURNE, Dee. *22. The Public Service Arbitrator lias refus'd to increase the wages of women to the level of the men, notwithstanding that they are doing similar work. Hi- eunteluL that men are entitled to hi'diot rates in oonsequeiae of the fact that they are maintaining families. ROBBERY CHARGE. MELBOURNE. Dec. 21. Antonio Zetto. charged with the robbery of jewels at Rose Bay 'Sydney) was remanded till December 2Slli. So far .C2OOO worth of jewellery Inis been recovered.