AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Bor Press Association.)

STUD SHEEP SALES. SYDNEY, July 10.

The stud sheep sales have concluded, after 51814 sheep have been sold realising £.13,321. ENQCIEY RESULT.’ BRISBANE, July 11.

In connection with the .shanghaiing story (eahled on Saturday), the Custom- off leer at Townsville held an enquiry and examined a number of Chinese brought ashore from the vessel. Although the inquiry was heard in private it L learned that evidence did 'ml support the somewhat; lurid accounts of tho conditions aboard. There "a.s untiling to uphold the suggestion ol kidnapping and irom appearances the witnesses were in good condition and healthy. They complained of ashortage of the. water supply, and inadequate sanitary provision, hut admitted that, with the size of the vessel, and the number aboard "they did not see how things could ho improved.

UNION’S DECISION. (Received this dav at Id.ld a.m.) SYDNEY. July It. A mass meeting of the Aiiialagam.ited Engineering Union decided to roluse employment at piece work rates and repudiated the award of Judge Bee by covering the engineering trade. It was also decided to take a ballot on tli" question whether the Union should withdraw I'reni the jurisdiction of the Federal Arbitration Court. Tho award becomes operative on Thursday.

SUGAR. WORKERS STRIKE BRISBANE. July H. Parlies concerned at South Johnstone sugar mill strike failed to reach a settlement dispute proposals for a settlement put forward by the Board of Trade were accepted by the men. hut rejected by the employers. Ihe mill is at present working two shills with volunteer labour and there are twenty-four cane cutting gangs working.

ENGINEERING UNION’S M FF.TLNt MELBOURNE. July 11.

At a meeting of (ittceii hundred members of the Engineering Fnion. the members pledged themselves to infuse to work overtime after next Thursday unless paid in accordance with the old award and also not to accept any system of payment by results.