AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1927, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GOVERNMENT BY CAUCUS.

THE PREMIER’S QUANDARY. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 8. The Labour Caucus decided to introduce a bill into Parliament shortly to abolish the late shopping night; also to sub-divide large estates. A Committee was appointed to report on the proposal received from the Upper House that the Legislative Council should he paid out of pocket expenses amounting to £3OO yearly. It was decided that ail churches in the State should he relieved of all taxation at present paid by them. This particularly applies to bind used for church purposes, church halls, tennis courts, cricket grounds, residences of ministers, but excludes schools and school playgrounds. Premier Lang opposed the proposed legislation hut failed to earn the caucus with him COAL .STB IKK I ALU l NEXT, SYDNEY. February 8. A conference ul coal miners representatives and owners’ representatives at Newcastle to discuss the miners’ claims for higher wages and better conditions of works, ended abruptly today, when the owners’ representatives refused the miners’ claims, stating tlie bad conditions of the coal industry at present did not warrant them. Tho Aimers’ Delegate Board is summoned for to-morrow, when the question ot whether the miners will cease work or not will he considered. It is stated the position is grave.