AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1922, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

HIGH COST OF BOARD. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, July 19. Giving evidence at the Board of Trade inquiry into the women’s basic wage a representative of the Union Secretaries’ Association stated that- since 1920 the cost of commercial board and lodging for women in certain cases had increased by 10. to 30 per cent. STATE EMPLOYEES’ CUT. Brisbane, July 20. A! full bench of the Arbitration Court reduced the salaries of State employees £lO per annum. It pointed out that wages were reduced last March by 5.9 per cent, whilst the cost of living, according to Mr. Knibbs, dropped ILS per cent. COMMUNITY SINGING. Sydney, July 20. Community singing has been started in two churches. Though not attended with the success attained in New Zealand it is growing in popularity. WIRELESS AGREEMENT. Melbourne, July 20. In the House of Representatives Mr. Hughes explained the Government attitude towards the wireless agreement. He replied to Dr. Earie Page’s criticism by quoting the latter’s speech last session when the Country Party leader eulogised the project. Mr. Watt suggested the dispute could be adjusted by negotiation, which is interpreted as a warning to the Government to avoid the danger of defeat on the floor of the House. PARLIAMENTARY LIQUOR BAR. Sydney, July 20. In the Assembly replying to a question regarding i f Parliamentary liquor bar the Speaker said the amount of liquor consumed there was very small indeed. Two hundred and fifty persons had the privilege of the refreshment room and the amount spent weekly was less than 2s per man over the 'whole Parliamentary period. GO-SLOW APPROVED. Sydney, July 21. The Labor Council adopted the report recommending the go-slow scheme as a counter to the Government’s contemplated legislation abolishing the 44-hour week and reducing wages. IRRITATION STRIKES CONDEMNED. Sydney, July 20. A meeting of union secretaries repudiated Mr. 'Garden’s proposed scheme for irritation strikes aud go-slow generally.