AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Australian Press Association.) SEA COOKS’ DISPUTE. SYDNEY, May 13. For the first time since the Marine Cooks’ trouble began, there lias been a. move towards settlement now attempted. This was when the Union Representative, Mr Tudohope, to-day telegraphed to the Shipowners’ Association asking them to extend till Wednesday, the time given in which the cooks can man the ships. Tho owners refused this request. Inter-State importers and others point out that the men have been given great latitude, and that the patience of business men lias been exhausted. Sonne consider 1 that the shipowners have not been firm enough.

ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m). SYDNEY, May 11. A. Roberts, one of the scrutineers for Labour’s Senate pre-election ballot, makes sensational allegations of irregularities and corrupt- practices associated with the ballot, including tampering with large numbers of ballot papers, and the rejection of perfectly valid papers, the object being to slaughter moderates at the instigation of the reds. Roberts, who lias resigned. lias made the facts public. He declares Labour supporters should know how their votes for the Senate candidates were being manipulated. He calls For an investigation.

COOKS’ ATTITUDE. .MELBOURNE, May 14

It now appears probable that the Cooks’ Union will allow Australian Council of Unions to take control of the dispute, in which case they are hound to abide by the Council’s decision. Shipowners are remaining adamant. A meeting of their representatives is being held to-day to finalise plans to adopt in the event of the cooks- not resuming immediately. Importance is attached to the meeting the Cooks’ Union in Sydney tomorrow. C ENT I! AI. Ai:ST If A LIA N DR 0 I'D lIT (Received this dav at in. 15 a.m.) ADELAIDE. May 14.

Sir Sidney Kidman, the cal tie king, reports that Central Australian pastoral areas have been llie driest lor over fifty years and cattle are perishing. ’There has been no rain for two years in territory near Alice Springs. Other areas on llk- Queensland border and New South Wales are in excellent condition. NEW GOVERNOR. -ADELAIDE, May 14. The Governor designate, and Lady More Ruthven. for South Australia, have arrived from London, and were received by Premier Butler. 'The swearing in takes place to-day. QUEENSLAND LOCAL OPTION. BRISBANE. May 14. In the local option polls to decide whether in certain areas the number ol licenses should be reduced and whether in others increased, the results of incomplete progress figures indicate additional licenses have been carried in at least four areas, hut the voting elsewhere .gives no indication of existing licenses.