LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2895, 15 January 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. THE LABOUR STRIKES IN VICTORIA. WEEKLY SALE OP WOOL. ARRIVAL OF STEAMSHIP DORIC AT HOBARTON. CAUCUS OF VICTORIAN LIBERALS. COALITION MINISTRY. (Received January 14, 7.45 p.m.) Melbourne, January 14. On receipt of notice from the Seamen’s Union intimating their intention to go out on strike in twenty-four hours, the shipowners withdrew the letter they had written to Mr Murphy, Secretary of the Trades Counci', agreeing to the appointment of a board of conciliation under certain conditions. Thirty-two men brought to Victoria from New Zealand by the steamship Waihora are now working for the Union Company, while a similar number are employed by the Australian Steam Navigation Company. The attitude of the remaining men is uncertain, (Received January 15, 1.40 a.m. Later, In pursuance of notice given to shipowners, all (lie seamen employed on the intercolonial steamers, have struck work, with the exception of the men belonging the Union Company, New Zealand, and Adelaide steamship Company. The latter company yielded' to the demands of the Union, because it already pays Union rates. In Adelaide the seamen and firemen employed on the Tasmanian Steam Navigation Company’s steamship Pateena deserted just before the vessel was to leave for Lannceslon. The captain, however, proceeded on the voyage, relying on the mates and engineers, and a number of volunteers among the steerage passengers, the work the ship.

(Received January 15, 12.30 p.m.)

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company held its usual weekly sale this afternoon, when the catalogue, comprising some 1750 bales, was submitted for sale, the competition being animated. Greasy merinos realised up to 10|d; scoured wools 15d, and washed I2|d,

January 15. The men brought over from Now Zealand by the Waihora have been distributed among various shipowners, there being only a few absentees when called upon, (Received January 15, 1.45 p.m.) Latest. A general caucus of the Liberal party was held yesterday when the continuance of a coalition Government was recommended. There was a strong feeling, however, in favor of a return to party Government shewn by some members of the caucus. The Hon. A. Deakin, who was present, agreed to abide by the decision of bis party, and the proceedings were adjourned until Tuesday next. The members of the Cooks and Stewards Union have decided to go out on strike to-day. A meeting of Seamen’s Union was held last night, when the men declined to agree to the appointment of a board of conciliation, and pledged themselves to resume work only when the demands of the wharf labourers were satisfied by the employers. The union, acting in conjunction with the Trades Council, is endeavouring to intercede for the settlement of the difficulty. In consequence of the strike the departure of coasting steamers is being delayed.

H.M.S. Myrmidon is at present engaged resurveying the Straits in the neighbourhood of Wilson’s Promontory, where the Gulf of Carpentaria was recently lost.

(Received January 15, 12.30 p.m.) Sydney, January 15. The cooks and stewards here are in accord with the strikers, and are giving them considerable support. The Sydney shipowners are unanimous in their determination not to give way.

The further development of the dispute is anxiously awaited. (Received January 15, 1.40 a.m.) Hobart Town, January 14. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company’s steamship Doric arrived here this afternoon.