AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] THE 44 HOUR QUESTION. SYDNEY, April 20. Mr. Bruce, Federal Premier, in a statement on the High Court judgment on the appeal in the forty-four Hours Week Act case, said: “If Australia is to make economic progress, there should be a standard of working hours throughout the Commonwealth.” He also indicated that the question of calling a- conference of the States and the Commonwealth to endeavour to decide on uniform working hours would probably be discussed in the Federal Parliament during the coming session. lie added that lie considered - that the clashes like the present one over working hours must inevitably have their repercussion. when different States, with Governments of different political parties, decided to work different hours. A divergence acted unfavourably against the whole economic fabric, and against the basic spirit of federation.

Mr. Bruce concluded that the present question was one of the most vital, and would have to he considered as Australia could not drift as she had been drifting. Mr. Land fN.S.W. Premier) has refused to comment on the High Court’s finding until lie receives a statement on the legal position from the Attor-ney-General. PARLIAMENT SUMMONED. HOBART, April 20. Both Houses of Parliament have hurriedly been summoned to meet and discuss Sir N. Lockycr’s report. THREE MILLION DEAL. SYDNEY, April 21. Tho biggest business deal in the history of Australia is on the eve of completion. Anthony Hordeu and Sons have sold to a i'icw company for £2.900,000 sterling. The controlling capital is mostly found in Sydney, blit shares are held in other capitals. Sir Mark Sheldon becomes chairman of directors of the new company. Sir Samuel Ilorden is retiring from the business in order to devote his time to public matters.