AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3415, 20 February 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

SYDNEY NEWS ITEMS. j Receiyed 10 am. } SYDNEY, This Day. ‘ ‘Arriv,§d: The Cathkit from Gis,borne. i There is no change in the position lof the engineers’ strike. but it is generally believed in Union and shipping icircles the strike is drawing to a. ‘close. A strikers’ meeting early next week is to decide whether to resurne. R, D. Meagher is again applying for reinstatement on the roll of solicitors. Ross-Smith continues his flight to Melbourne to-day. A a result of the shipping strike the State is threatened with serious flour shortage; only a fortnight’s supply being on hand A number of union officials are launching a movement to reorganise unions in favour of arbitration 'u154.-‘..ead of strikes. BUTTER PRICES INCREASE-7.3. Received 10 am, MELBOURNE, This Day. The wholesale price of butter is in—. creased to 1/9% pound. ‘A meeting of engineers. decided to impress on the Federal Executive the desirability of a speedy settiement of the strike. STATE: IRON WORKS. ’ FOR QUEENSLAND. Received 10 a.m. BRISBANE, This Day. The Minister of Mines announced. that the erection of proposed State iron and steel works, is to be commenced at Bowen. The work will occupy three years and cost three 1.111lions. ‘

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY. GILRUTH UNDER EXAMINATION. POINTED QUESTIONS ASKED. Received 11.0 a.m, MELBOURNE, this day. The Northern Territory Commission further cxamine-d Mr Gilruth, whose bank accounts were produced, Ewing stating that they could not be made public unless: something was found in them.

Barrett asked if it was the policy of the Government to carry out a. White Australia policy, and on receiving :1 reply in the affirmative, asked why Mr Gl];-nth l;l}lo\v(‘.d' Chinese labour to be employed at the Daly River copper mine. V Gil;-uth replied: “Because it was reeoimnml(le<.l by 01i"€1‘-” Barrett: “How could you permit ‘.l. subordinate to recommend anything against the policy of the Government?” Gilruth: “I had oflicers in the Mines Department to look after that.’ ’ Barrett: “Was it not yourself who was interested in the Daly River mine, and wanted it worked as cheaply as possible?” Gilruth: “'l.‘ha.t. incorrect.” Barrett: “Did you ever make an offer to the Government to purchase the Northern Territory for Ifivg million, with :1 proviso that there be improvements to amount to ten millions in two years?” Gilruth: “No; and I made no ofi’er on behalf of any syndicate. Ewing: “Did you ask anyone in authority whether they were Willing‘ to sell the T-i3rri’rory“3” Gilruth: “Yes; in 1911, when the Cook Government decidezl that expel}. diture on the Territory must be reduc(Md. There was correspondence over the matter, and 1 was asked to come to Melbourne to see the Minister ,where I siiggestecl selling to a chartered company, Which would develop the country by white -labour. I never discussed the sale with any financial men in Australia or elsewhere. . A , Barwattz: “Were you instructed by anyone to put up this 'proposition?” Gilruth: _"‘l\To; ill-_‘-',sUll'l oi‘ five millions 11wn€ioA=3e~:l was my own estim:il'.e.