AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1926, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.^ MURDER CHARGE. , SYDNEY, May 31. At the trial of Alfred Watson, charged with the murder of liis daughter Ada, cabled on the 17th of March, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, on the ground of insanity. Watson was ordered to bo detained during the Governor’s pleasure. Watson, a school teacher, murdered bis daughter, aged 22, following depression. When the girl went to the telephone to ring a carter to remove their furniture prior to departing on a holiday, Watson struck her ou the head with a hammer. Meantime, during his son’s absence to secure a doctor the father dismissed the school, and presumably he returned to the house and again attacked bis daughter. The father and daughter were deeply attached to each other. The girl was battered about her head with a hammer and died on her removal to the hospital. The fatal injuries were inflicted with. an axe. 44-HOUR STRIKE. SYDNEY, May 31. All the forty-four hours’ strikers resumed work to-day. MELBOURNE, May 31. Representatives of all the Labour Councils in the Commonwealth, commenced the consideration of the fortyfour hour week, as it affects the Whole Commonwealth. COAL SITUATION UNCHANGED, (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 1. The coal situation is unchanged. A deputation from the Miners’ Federation waited on the Chief Secretary, Mr Lnzzarini, and asked that the Government provide relief for the miners, who are suffering in consequence of the strike. Mr Lnzzarini intimated that arrangements were to be made for the establishment of relief committees on the coal fields. Mr Gibson, the engine-drivers’ general secretary states that negotiations are in progress for a settlement of the dispute at three collieries in the northern fields, hut a resumption of work after the forty-four hours strike is not altogether complete,-owing to a number of men obtaining work elsewhere. The Secretary of the Coachmakers’ Union stated that some employers had refused the re-employment of a number of hands, and the matter was to be referred to the disputes committee of the Labour Council. A bitch occurred in the Motorbody Building Industry over the interpretation of a clause in the agreement of the four shops not re-opened. - Certain , members of the Iron Workers’ Assistants Union wore told that their services werqjiot required. -IV'm rxl Avonc of ilin PTlll "Pl*o-

Employees at the Broken Hill Proprietary’s Steel Works are not affected by the agreement. Negotiations are well in progress for a settlement of tlieir dispute. VICE-REGAL PARTY. SUVA, Alay 11. The Tntanekai and Veronica, from Apia, arrived this afternoon with the Governor-Genera] and Lady Fergusson on board. They were received, on landing, by the Governor and Lady llutson with the Executive Councillors, Chief Justice and the Bishop of Polynesia, Bishop Alav, of Suva, the Alnnieipal Councillors and a guard of lion our, composed of tho Defence Forces and band. There was a large concourse of Fijians in gala, attire, and also general residents. The town was bcflaggcd. The Fergussons arc guests at Government House. On Tuesday afternoon their Excellencies will be ai homo at Government House and will he entertained with native ceremonies and mokes.