AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1927, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(Australian it N.Z. Cable Association

WOOL SALES. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY. Nov. 25. The week’s wool sales closed with spirited competition, principally from the French section. Values of all line sorts ruled in sellers’ favour. Bidding for well-classed, even lines, was exceedingly keen and all others classed were firm and unchanged. For crossbreds there was a very strong demand. Greasy merino fleece sold to 87-kl, a season’s record for Sydney.

AVST RA LT A N TARIFF. CANBERRA, Nov. 21

in the House of Representatives, the Minister for Customs introduced a new Customs tariff, involving many readjustments and changes. Tie explained that features of tne new tariff are n reduction of duties on goods in general use, provision for important national and essential industries, preference on many items, and practical steps towards inter-Empire trade.

The reductions, in revenue as the result. of the new schedules are expected to balance the increases, and no additional revenue is anticipated. Amongst the recommendations of the Tariff Board, in the interests of the potato industry, is an increased duty from a shilling to 2s fkl per cwt.

NEW TARIFF BILL. CANBERRA. Nov. 25. The new Tariff Bill operates from nine to-morrow morning, but the preamble contains the following proviso— That, excepting by mutual agreement, or until after six months’ notice lias been given to the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand, nothing in this resolution shall affect any goods, the production or manufacture of tin Dominion of New Zealand, entering the Commonwealth of Australia from the Dominion of New Zealand.

NATIVE SENTENC ES. RABAT 1,, Nov. 24

rii connection with Nakanai massacre twice within the past month all preparations were made and the sentenced natives were informed they were to Ik hung in the morning. The last occasion was yesterday. To-day the Administrator announced a commutation of the sentence to 15 years’ imprisonment. Grave concern has been caused by the attempt of the Administrator to ignore the Chief Judge, who clearly stated that he recommended mercy on stated grounds, and assured counsel for the defence that the sentence would lie ignored. The action of the Administrator is regarded as remarkable.

WATERSIDERS’ STRIKE. SYDNEY. Nov. 21

Locally, the watersiders’ overtime strike has undergone little change. Development is largely dependent on the Shipowners’ Conference sitting at .Melbourne.

NO-OVERTIME STRIKE. MELBOURNE, Nov. 21,

A joint conference of overseas and inior-cna.stnl shipowners decided in future to insist on the full observance of all awards and agreements with the Waterside Workers’ Federation. When informed of his decision, it was declared that it was tantamount to a challenge, iniul that a prolonged strike on the waleiTront now seemed unavoidable. SYDNEY. Nov. 24. Referring to the waterside workers' overtime strike, Mr Bruce promised the Government would do everything in its power to protect the primary producers, who found it necessary to handle their own perishable goods. IN THE SOLOMONS. BRISBANE, Nov. 21. Advices from Tulngni state Bossiana and his right-hand men, Peter and Moses, alleged to he Mr Lillie’s assailant, and 33 others,- including lout females, have been captured at Rinarango. Thirty-six have arrived at Tulngni, including Bnssiana, and are lodged in the gaol. Nola is stli! at liberty, but his arrest is> expected at anv time.

SYDNEY CLERICS' AWARD. SYDNEY, Nov. :

Office assistants, cashiers and delivery clerks employed in metropolitan retail shops benefit by an award issued, and made on the application of the Federated Clerks’ Union. The minimum wage rate provided is scheduled according to age. Under lb years, males 14s (id, females 11s Od per week, rising to 100 s and fils respectively alien the employee reaches 22 years; clerks at the ago of 2.'i or over, employed at typewriting or stenographing, lObs and 02s; delivery c lerks in charge of or supervising the work of two employees, lObs, and when in charge of more than two employees 110 s per week.

The rate for clerks employed for less than one week is: Males 2s 9Jd per hour, with minimum payment for part of a day of 10s (id; females. Is 11}d per hour, with a minimum payment for part of a day of 10s 3d. Clerks on night work, of whatever ago. must receive not less than Ills per week.

All employees with not less than 12 months’ service are to lie allowed one week’s holiday annually on full pay. Preference of employment is granted members of the Federated Clerks’ Union. Messrs Anthony Hordern and Sens, Ltd., are exempt from certain parts of the award.