AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1922, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BASIC WAGE REDUCTIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Sydney, Feb. 22. Mr. Justice Powers rejected the application of the clothing trades that the adjustment clause precluded a decrease of the basic wage below £4 7s 6d. The new rate is £4 Is 6d for men and £2 3« 9d for women. A REASONABLE RULE. Sydney, Feb. 22. The Sydney City C-.unci. passed a resolution prohibiting employees campaigning on behalf of any alderman. RAILWAY STRIKE POSTPONED. Sydney, Feb. 22. The annual conference of the Rail wav Unions decided to postpone the regulation strike till Mr. Dooley had been ,given an opportunity of defining the Government’s intentions. Mr. Dooley, at a meeting at Balmain, stated that one of the first acts of the Government, if returned, would be legislation to ensure that justice should be done to the victimised railway and tramway men. Railway officials smile at the union threat, and say that for years they have been endeavoring to induce the men to adhere to the regulations. A FARMERS’ COMBINE. Sydney, Feb. 22. Tn connection with the tour mentioned yesterday. Mr. Trethowan further explains that his object is to establish a federation of farmers’ co-operative companies in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Already a federation of the principal cooperative companies in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa exists, totalling 44. which it is proposed to link up with the American and Canadian cooperative organisations. Besides wheat, it is intended to include wool, butter, tallow, meat, fruit and other primary products. In dealing, the aim is to regulate and equalise prices, prevent the present heavy fluctuations, and secure reasonable profits without cornering anything or penalising anybody.