AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Australian Press Association.) BRI MERY LIB E L ACT lON. BRISBANE, May 11. Mr Justice Brennan, of Queensland, lias instructed his solicitors to issue a writ against Smith’s Newspapers Ltd. claiming the sum of £IO,OOO for alleged libel published in “Smith’s Weekly,” in an article headed “Theo(.lore’s Rent. 1 *

SEA COOKS’ DISPUTE. SYDNEY, May 11

The waterfront outlook is at present dull, but it is not regarded as hopeless. Few of the maritime or long-shore workers welcome the idea of a general strike. The disruption in the seamen s ranks and the providence, already of considerable- unemployment are considered strong factors against any widespread hold-up. The shipowners have postponed action till next week. This is considered a favourable augury that a way may vet be found out of the' impasse.

ANTI-STRIKE STAND. MELBOURNE, May 11. Judge Bethi'iclge stated in the Arbitration Court to-day that he intended to insert an anti-strike clause in luture awards, so that the Court would have the power to suspend any award in the event of unreasonable strikes, lockouts. or of joil-control.

COOKS TROUBLE. MELBOURNE, May 12. It is authoritatively learned that the Marine Cooks Union will not he rcpiesonted at the conference of maritime unions on Monday. Efforts by shipowners to introduce volunteer cooks will precipitate a general strike, say the Seamen’s Union.

MINE OWNERS’ ATTITUDE. BROKEN HILL, -May 12

As the outcome of a conference between mine owners and union repiesentatives, the owners state the only method of keeping the mines going is by longer hours. The owners, in making this statement declare that'll metal 11 ifices fall no lower than at present, owners will do their best to avoid shutting clown more mines, and will try to absorb more unemployed. The Miners’ Union is considering the proposals hut it is believed will regret them. ANTI-GAMBLING. SYDNEY, May I‘2. Mr Brim tel! is framing legislation to deal comprehensively with illegal shop and starting price betting, which is so rampant, allegedly mining the attendance- at certain race meetings and also the morals of young and old. .BruntnelL a folrm'er Salvationist-, is receiving warm suppo-it iro-m al! sections.