AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1921, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE ARBITRATION COURT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 14, 7.36 p.m. Perth, April 14. The annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commence resolved to ask Mr. Hughes to enforce Arbitration Court awards or abolish the Court and allow differences to be settled between the parties. THE FREIGHT. RATES. Received April 14, 9.45 p.m. Melbourne April 14. Tn the House of Representatives, Mr. Jowett moved the adjournment in order to d'scuss freight rates on Australian goods overseas. He said the reduction announced was inadequate. In some cases freights on primary products were 238 per cent, above the pre-war rates. DEARTH OF TELEPHONES. Sydney, April 14. The annual report of the Postal Department stated that 11,000 applicants were awaiting telephones. PACIFIC CABLE PROFITS. Sydney, April 14. The Pacific cable finances for the year ended March, 1920, showed a profit of £28,000.

INCREASED FREIGHTS. Sydney, April 14. An increase of 10 per cent, is announced in freights by the shipping companies engaged in trade with eastern and western Pacific islands. CHEAPER LEATHER. Sydney, April 14. Mr. Justice Beeby, examining confidential leather sales accounts at the leather inquiry, remarked that leather values had fallen 50 per cent. SYDNEY FINANCES. Sydney, April 14. The Sydney City Council has decided to raise a loan of a million on debentures. The City assessor reported that the total assessed unimproved capital value of the city wards amounted to over 36 millions. It is expected a new rate of sd, an increase of a halp-penny, will be struck this month. WESTERN CABINET. Perth, April 14. In the reconstructed Cabinet the At-torney-General’s portfolio has not been filled. Dr. Draper, who was elected at the elections, has accepted a Supreme Court judgeship.

A PASSPORT REFUSED. Sydney, April 14. The Commonwealth authorities have again refused to grant a passport to George Georgeson to travel beyond Australia. SMALLPOX CASES. Sydney, April 14. Two more cases of smallpox have been discovered among the crew of . the Gracchus. WORKERS WANTED IN RUSSIA. Sydney, April 14. Siminoff, Federal representative of the Russian Soviet, informed a deputation of unemployed artisans that his Government could absorb all the unemployed skilled workers, as there was a big shortage. WHEAT POOL BLUNDERS. Sydney, April 14. The committee appointed by the Holman Government to apportion the responsibility for losses incurred in stacking and the shortage of the wheat garnered in the 1916-17 pool has presented its report to Cabinet, recommending that the pool account be reimbursed by the Government to the extent of £549,214 as compensation to the growers for faulty administration.

CONTRACT FOR MONTHLY MAIL. Melbourne, April 14. The mail contract between the Orient Company and the Commonwealth has been arranged, the conditions being a monthly service and a subsidy of £220,000. With the Peninsular service it is hoped to arrange a fortnightly service. 4 4-HOUR WEEK. Sydney, Apid 14. Mr. James M'Mahon, president of the Employers’ Federation, commenting on Mr. Justice Beeby’s report on the 44hour week, stated that it would eventually affect all other industries, particularly the transporters, who would be compelled to cease work on Saturdays if the factories were idle. In round figures the change meant a reduction of production by eight millions. Mr. J. Clifton Love, president of the Chamber of Manufacturers, said the shorter week would mean extra expense to the community, also more leisure, but higher prices for the workers. A note of general satisfaction prevails at the Trades Hall as the result of the report.

COCKATOO ISLAND INQUIRY. Melbourne, April 14. Tn the House of Representatives, Mr. Hughes announced that the departmental inquiry report into the administration at Cockatoo Island reflected on the officials and workers. The Government had decided to appoint a Royal Commission to make a thorough inquiry. Ho subsequently announced that the commission would comprise seven members of Parliament, representing al! parties. Sir Joseph Cook stated that the Commonwealth’s payments to date for the League of Nations amounted to £42,006. Mr. Tudor asked Mr. Hughes if New Zealand received Australian flour from wheat at 16 per cent, less than the local price. Mr. Hughes replied and said that 99 days out of 100 Australia received it more cheaply. It was unfair to> pick out one day and ask such a question.