AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7726, 20 February 1909, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS

Par F«-ess Association —Copyright

HARD TIMES AT NEWCASTLE. SYDNEY, February 19. The depression which has prevailed in the Newcastle coal trade during the last few months is having a serious effect on the district. A large number of miners have been without constant work for months, and the starting of relief works is urged. LABOUR COUNCIL AND IMMIGRATION. The Labour Council is starting a campaign against the Government policy of securing immigrants through the Salvation Army, and characterises this a s an attempt to lower wages. It has been decided* to hold public meetings by wav of protest. EARTH TREMOR. There; was a distinct earth tremor at Ophir on Tuesday morning, but no damage has been reported. YACHTING. MELBOURNE, February 19. The Royal Yacht Club has adopted the proposal of the Sydney yacht clubs to reduce the rating of competitors in the Sayonara Cup from fifteen to twelve metres. The change will hold good for t'hreo years, at the expiration whereof the original conditions will be reverted to. A VIGOROUS POLICY. HOBART, February 19. The Premier, in a policy speech, placed adherence by the Federal Parliament to the conditions upon which federation was accomplished, in the forc-imwi: place in his programme. The Government intends vigorously to ad- | vertifio the ish-.nd, with a view to aid- ' ;na land workers, and an endeavour will be made to turn the country's limitless water supply to profitable account, in the hope that manufactures •.vill I>p established.