AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1919, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE. By Telegraph.—Pres3 Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, June 7. Speaking at a dinner to Admiral Jellicoe, Mr Watt (Acting-Premier) pleaded for co-operation between New Zealand amd Australia in the matter of naval defence. He hoped Lord Jellicoe would be able to tell the authorities in New Zealand that there was a distinct feeling in favor of co-operation between Australia and New Zealand for mutual defence and protection.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FIRE AT CLOTHING FACTORIES. Melbourne, June 0. The clothing factories of Barnet, Goldstein, and Co. and the Leroy Manufacturing Co. in the city have ben destroyed by fire. The damage amounted to many thousands. MINESY\. .'PEES FOR NEW ZEALAND. Sydney, June 0. Three British minesweepers have arrived en route to New Zealand. The minesweepers are the Geranium, Marguerite, and Mallow. After a few days' stay for replenishing, they will steam direct to Cook Strait and commence sweeping. They are 1000 ton high-powered up to date vessels.

j WHARF LABORERS' STRIKE. . Melbourne, June 9. A Royal Commission has been appointed to' inquire into the wharf laborers' strike. LABOR PARTY'S CONFERENCE. Sydney, June 9. The opening session of the annual conference of the Australian Labor Party afforded indications that it will prove a trial of strength between the moderates and extremists. A resolution was adopted protesting against the Allies; sending armed forces to Russia and in favor of the Russian people being allowed to work out its own destiny. • A heated argument occurred over the proposed methods of electing the executive. The moderates claimed that tactics were being adopted to capture the conference in the interests of one big union. One delegate declaimed against the alleged adoption of the I.W.W. preamble. Hot personal recriminations and denials followed, and the discussion was not finished when the conference adjourned. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TROUBLE ON BATTLESHIP AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, June 9. It is announced that when the battleship Australia was ordered to leave Fremantle members of the crew refused duty, as they wished to delay the departure in order to entertain their friends. The petty officers got up steam and the vessel proceeded to sea, where she was stopped and the men ordered to their ports. This order was obeyed. Later seven were sentenced to ninety days' imprisonment; the others will be court-martialled AiiSi-N.Z. Cable Assn.