AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1927, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, Dee. 15. Tlio solicitors'for the Higgs Brothers’ states that he is about to make representations to the Premier in order to ascertain whether the Government is willing to reimburse Higgs Senior, the father of the acquitted men, for disbursement he had to make for the defence of his sons. N.S.W. CABINET. SYDNEY, Dec. 14. The State Cabinet proposes to set up an electoral commission to control future State elections, free from political influences. The commission will align State electoral boundaries on the basis of three separate State electorates to each Federal electorate. As there are now twentv-eiglit Federal electorates in New South "Wales, a reduction in the numlier of State members from ninety to eightv-four is inevitable. This will make a possible increase in country representation in the Assembly. Sub-committees of the Cabinet were also appointed to draft proposals for reform of the Legislative Council.

TO COMBAT STRIKE 'WEAPON

CANBERRA. Deo. 15. Tn the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General introduced the Arbitration Amendment Bill, which, as far as permitted hy the Constitution Bill, gives effect to the industrial policy announced in Mr Bruce’s policy speech at the last elections. The Bill provides for secret ballots where ten or more members demand one, and for a system of inspection and investigation of affairs of unions, inspectors to be appointed subject to the Public Service Act Bill. It also provides for the right of entry into premises where industries are carried on. If a lock-out occurs, a strike in that industry will not be regarded as an offence and vice versa. Penalties for strikes and lockouts are to he reduced where a responsible organisation has endeavoured to prevent an ofFonee. The full penalty of £IOOO can he ini)x>sod only on cm plovers and organisations, but the maximum penalty which can be imposed on any individual is £SO.

The Bill also prohibits State industrial authorities handling matters dealt with under the Federal awards. It also embodies the principle of voluntarv Arbitration Judges and Conciliatory Commissioners lieing authorised to determine all voluntary arbitration and thus enable the Court to deal with industries where a dispute does not actually exist.

To declare goods or places ‘‘black will be an offence, and no person may be prevented from offering or accepting employment by undue influence, and penalties banging from £2O to £5(.0 may lie imposed for various offences. STREET NAMING. Canberra, Dee. kl The National Memorial Committee adopted a unique scheme of nomenclature for public places and streets in the capital city. Six avenues, radiating from the Capital Hill have been named after the capital cities of the States, while place and street names commemorate persons famous in Australian history, such ns explorers, politicians, scientists, navigators, men of letters and other achievements,

NEW CHICKRT STAND. (•Received this day at 9.d0 a.in). SYDNEY. Defy Id. The Trustees of the Sydney* Cricket Ground decided to erect a new moni!kts' stand at the ground with accommodation for five thousand, to cost £40.000. The stand will be finished before the next visit of the English team. A G HKTI .IT It AL ESTI MATES SYDNEY. Dec. 10. The Director of Agriculture estimates the elimination of smut, added two bushels ]>er acre to the States normal wheat yield or seven million bushels, valued at £1.700.C00. A SUCCESSFUL TEST. LONDON. Dee. 15. The Empire Producers’ Organisation were officially informed from Germany of the sucess of the first test in producton on a commercial scale of grape sugar and ethylalcohol from sawdust straw, sisal waste and sugar-cane waste,