AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

44-HOUR WEEK. SYDNEY, May 4

Hitherto the trouble over the fortyfour hour week and the Federal Awards have been confined to the metal trades. Many iron works remain open but the only persons on duty are the office staffs, foremen and apprentices. The Metal Trades Employers’ Association insists that the only condition on which a resumption of work can take place is the consent of tho men to abide by the awards. Tile Association denies- the statements made in labour circles that the men are locked out. The establishments are open to all employees who are prepared to honour the agreement. It is reiterated that the quarrel is with the Union officials more than with the men.

DISASTROUS FIRE. SYDNEY, May 4. •A fire at Monkerai destroyed a sawmill and stock of timber of W. D. Woods The damage is estimated ht £20,000. The caretaker named Sterling was badly burned when making bis escape. He was sent to the hospital in a critical condition. ROUGH WEATHER. SYDNEY, May 4. The steamers Manama and Maungnliui wirelessed that they are experiencing very rough weather in the Tasman Sen, and they will he many hours late in arriving at Sydney. The Manama expects to make port some time this Afternoon and the Matinganni late to-night. A USTRALI AX TRANSPORT CONFER EXCE. MELBOURNE, May 4. The first Australian Transport Conference which is being attended by delegates from Australia, New Zealand and United States was opened by Mr Bruce who stated that Australia ranks third in the number of possessors of motor cars. The number last year was .104,000 and was expected to increase to 375,000 by next .June, being about six to every hundred jiooPle. _________