AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1925, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[by TELKQRArn —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] VICKERS ELECTRICAL COY. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, February C. Sir Vincent Raven states tiiat the Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Cov., of Manchester, Sheffield, intends to invest a. large amount of cap.ml in this State ami it has secured three acres of lam. at Lideombe. It is intended to er, immediately permanent works for the manufacture of electrical equipment. Sir Vincent expressed the opinion that this country was going to progress rapidly and the electrical industry would make big strides. THE WATERSIDE TROUBLE. DEPUTATION TO MR. BAVIN. SYDNEY, February 5. A deputation from the Watcrsidcrs’ Federation waited on the AttorneyGeneral, Mr Bavin, regarding the dispute on the waterfront upon the question of preference. The nature of the discussion was not officially disclosed, hut responsible members of the Federation later expressed the opinion that the negotiations of the committee of management have shown that only direct action will he effective in securing the abolition of the Waterside Labour Exchange. A COMPROMISE. BRISBANE, February 5. A compromise has been effected in the dispute between me Seaman’s Union, and the owners regarding the securing of crews for the Cooina and Canberra. MELBOURNE POLICE. COMMISSION’S REPORT. MELBOURNE, Feb. 5. The report of the Police Commission (cabled yesterday) stated: “Wo are of the opinion that the non-restor-ing of pensions created a situation in which, and in which alone, a general strike in the police force became a possibility. While not wishing to reflect on Commissioner Nicholson’s capacity on the ground of his age. we are of the opinion that- it is a decided handicap to any man to enter upon the arduous duties of a Commissioner of a police force at an age when insufficient years remain to the holder of the office to enable him to acquire experience in many problems which confront him, and to work out his schemes and policies.” Commenting oil Inspector Spooks, the report says: “However desirable 1 t mav have been to exercise more supeivision over constables on heat duties,

it- was not wise to exercise supervision through the agency of the mail in plain clothes. Anything which is in the nature of spying is likely to lie repungiiant to the body of men, a majority of whom do not feel conscious of the necessity for being spied upon.” The report adds that it would have been much more judicious, and in accordance with the .'sine demands ol the situation, if the Chief Commissioner, upon tlie facts being reported to him. had quietly ordered the .suspension of the men con, erne,l. and had them charged in accordance with the provisions of the Police Regulations .V, t, which is designed to meet such eases. Temperate action of this nature might well have operated greatly to restrict the subsequent trouble. BOOT FACTORY BURNT. iSVD.NI'.V. !■ eh. <>.

The footwear leather factory belonging to lllizcldine Biothers. in Daniel street, Bedl’otn. was practically gutted by fire, the damage being estimated in the vicinity of 220,0 CC No alarm was sent to Ihc file brigades, lull the bronien on duly outside, the tire station noticed the flashes, and gave the alarm. The premises were alight when the brigades arrived. A. woman living iieai by told the police that prior to the fire site saw a light moving about the building. It is thought d.e tire was possibly one to burglars.