AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1925, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION, DEFINITE OBSTRUCTION POLICY SYDNEY, April 10. The shipowners are now convinced that a definite policy of obstruction is being carried on by the Seamen’s Union to hold up vessels in face of the recent High Court injunction. Although the Marama does not strictly concern the Sydney branch of the Seamen’s Union there is little doubt that the Australian seamen have been warned not to apply for positions on her. Several calls for men were made at the Mercantile Marine Office, but although on one occasion there were ninety men seeking engagement, none came forward for employment.. The Eromanga and lOelga arc still unable to obtain crews. LABOUR SHIPPING CASES. SYDNEY, April 10. In the High Court argument was opened in a special case raising the question of whether certain provisions in the Navigation Act, are invalid, the parties to the ease being the Union Steamship Coy and Nichollns Jones, Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine Office, and his employer the Commonwealth Government. This is a special case cited for the High Court, arising out of the ease cabled on 25th and 26th March, 1924. The condition of this case is that if the High Court decides that if the company is not required by law to comply with the conditions, including the- payment of the fees imposed by the Navigation Act, judgment will be entered for the company for an appropriate sum and costs; but if the questions are answered in, favour of the Government the company will have to pay tlio costs of the Arbitration Court. During the hearing of consent to an agreement entered into by the Ship Painter’s and Dockers’ Union, and the Commonweal tn Steamship Owners Association and others, the Deputy-President of the Court, Sir John Ouick, referred to the suspension of the hearing of the union’s claim for the new award (previously cabled). He said that at sonic stage before the award was made he would require the union to show cause why it should not give security for the performance of the award when made. Regarding consent to the agreement he said that lie intended inserting a clause which would enable the owners to apply to the court for the suspension or cancellation of the agreement it any breaches were committed by the union, its branches or members. 9 FURNITURE FACTORY FIRE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 17. A fire to-night destroyed the threestorev furniture factory of L. R. Hinds in the City. Extensive damage lias been done. YEARLING SALES. SYDNEY, April 17. At the yearling sales a KedfernTurnokc colt realised .875 guineas. On account of Mr lan Duncan, New Zealand, an Abusrd-Margaretlia colt fetched 1750 guineas. An Absurd-Afterglow filly brought 1450 guineas. An Abursd-Snow Waif filly realised 1500 guineas. • IT. Hassell, of New Zealand, purchased a Cetingc-Dolaura. colt for 130 guineas. Mr Allison of New Zealand, bought a Poitrcl-Quaker Girl colt for 120 guineas. PRODUCE PRICES. i.fteceivod this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY. April IG. Oats: Tasmanian and Algerian. 3s Id to 3s Gd ; white, 4s Gd. Maize: 3s Gd. Pot ales; Local, £4 to £5; Tasmanian £9 to £lO. Onions: Victorian, £l3. ADELAIDE April 10. Oats: 2s to 2s 3d. SYDNEY, April 16. At the Federal Arbitration Court during tlio hearing of the Ship Painters’ and Dockers’ Union claim for a new award, counsel for the employers announced that when the Vohminia was taken to dock to-day, the painters and dockers refused to work on the vessel stating that they Imd been instructed by their Union not to handle her. Sir J. Qucik then adjourned the hearing to enable the Union officials to make an effort to effect a settlement.