AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] A TORNADO. SYDNEY, May 25. A tornado in the Young district caused great damage to houses, crop and stock, demolishing everything in its path. There were many narrow escapes. CANCELLATION 11EFUSKD. MELBOURNE, May 25. ) The Federal Arbitration Court presided over by Deputy President Quick refused- to grant an application by the Federal .Moulders and Metal Union of Australasia for the termination of the 1924 Commonwealth Award, because lie was convinced that the object was to obtain release from the Federal award so that the organisation could go to the New South Wales Industrial Commission and ask for a State Award, based on Federal rates for a week of forty-eight hours. 'I lie men would then be required to work only - forty-four hours at a fortnight hour rate. President Quick ruled that the Federal Award remain in force until July of this year, unless an application for variation was made 1.. v either of the unions or employers.

NO PROSPECT OF SETTLEMENT. SYDNEY, May 25. "With no prospect of settlement ot tho Coal Strike there will be a great increase in unemployment in the next few days. All pit ponies have now been brought to the surface, and already thirty thousand miners and one thousand engine drivers and firemen are idle. Many other industries are also affected. SHIPS TIE UP. SYDNEY, May 25. Tho inter-Stato passenger steamer Dioboola has been tied up as a result of tho co.il strike. This is tfio second passenger ship idled through the strike. Jt is expected that other ves-, sols will bo tied up unless there : s a speedy settlement. FEDERAL STATES CONFER. .MELBOURNE, May 26. Almost a deadlock was reached at the financial conference. All the State representatives raised the strongest objection to the Commonwealth's proposal for abandoning the per capita payments, and evacuating the field of income taxation. The case for the States was based chiefly upon the contention that they had a moral, il not a legal right, to participate in Customs excise revenue. This claim, the bederal Ministry vigorously contested. After all the Premiers and the Federal Treasurer had spoken it seemed as it a breakdown was inevitable. Eventually at the suggestion of .Mr Bruce, the conference agreed to resume this morning when the States will be asked to say definitely whether they base their claims for a continuation of the petcapita payments upon moral rights.

SHIPPING AFFECTED. SYDNEY, May 26. In addition to two passenger .steamers affected by the coal strike, twelve cargo steamers are held up. In place of till' Tlimlioola. the Adelaide .Steamship Cov. is using the cargo motor ship' Monha, which recently arrived in Australian waters. H-HOUR WEEK. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) SYDNEY. May 26. Much importance is attached to the meeting of the Federal Council of Engine Drivers' and Firemen’s Association 10-nioirow. in the latest efforts to settle the forty-four hour strike. So far as it affects motor building industry it has proved unsuccessful. Members of the Disputes Committee are acting on behalf ot the strikers and met the representatives of the Motor Traders’ Association in a conference, and informed them that tho strikers would resume work if the employers concede forty-four hours’ pay for forty-four hours’ work. After a prolonged discussion the owners rejected tho offer and the strikers have endeavoured to enlist the support of the State Government. They requested the Government to agree to compensate tho manufacturers for the carrying out- of the Government contracts, for any increased cost of their manufacturing caused by reducing the working week to forty-four hours. Tin’s the Cabinet rejected, and it also rejected a proposal that Government should meet the committee directing the strike.

CROSSING SMASH ENQUIRY. Melbourne. May 2 r>. At the inquest concerning the deaths as the result of the level crossing smash at Boronia, tabled oil April 26tb.. the Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death in all eases.