COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 46, 23 October 1915, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

[United Press Association.] Brisbane, October 22. compulsory conference has been .called for next Friday in connection with the decision of the Brisbane branches of the Federated Masters 'and Engineers Association and the (Federated Seamen’s Union to strike [for improved wages and working conditions. Hobart, October 22. In the Assembly, the Treasurer tabled, without reading, the Financial Statement showing that, revenue decreased by £13,894 compared to the previous year, the estimated revenue for tlie current year being £1,3(35,613, and the expenditure £1,297,367, leaving a surplus of £38,246. If those figures are realised, the deficiency of £104,772 on first July will be reduced to £66,526 at the end of the financial year. Melbourne, October 22. The note issue has been increased to forty-three millions.

. Brisbane, October 22. For tlie pionth ending the 17th, the Mount Morgan furnaces treated 25,463 tons, containing 663 tons of copper and 9313 ounces of gold. The, concentrator treated 13,532 tons, containing 231 tong of copper and 28 ounces of gold,- the total value being £75,673. A dividend of a shilling per share has been proclaimed, payable on 27tb November. The Government is negotiating to purchase the Blackheath an ( ] Abermaiu colleries for the purpose of a State coalmine. (Received 8.25 a.m.) Sydney, October 2-4. Replying to a deputation from the Wine Association, who made representations against an application for the proposed early closing of the sale of wine on the ground that it was detrimental to an important local industry, the Premier (Mr Holman) promised sympathetic consideration. He said he was convinced the time must come for dealing with wine as distinct from beer and spirits. He pointed out that the Government’s early closing legislation was strictly to deal with an emergency and was temporary. Last mointli the body of a fisherman named William Purcell was found in the Caindenhaven river roped to an anchor, the indications pointing to illtreatment. Deceased’s mate, James Piper, has now been committed for trial on a charge of murder. Evidence was given that at the end of August i neighbour beard sounds of quarrelling in Piper’s shed. Purcell was not igaiu seen, and Piper explained that he had left the district. 'j'he Railway Commissioners’ annual report shows that the railway earnings decreased £50./09 and the tinmway £17.934. compared to the previous vear.