AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9291, 28 April 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

(Per Press Association Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 27. The New South • Wales Parliament has opened. The Government's pro- . posal to elect Mr Levy to the Speakership aroused a storm of protest from ' the Opposition, who bitterly opposed the selection of candidates from . the ranks of the Nationalists. A lively debate is proceeding.

SYDNEY, April 28. The Cabinet considered a reconu mendation sent forward by Mr Holman, while Premier, that a baronetcy should be conferred on the Hon. G. W. Fuller, and decided to cancel the recommendation," as the creation of hereditary titles in Australia was diametrically opposed to the wishes of the people.

A bitter debate marked the election of Mr Levy as Speaker,, -the Nationalists characterising his.action as a piece of treachery to them, Mr Fuller stating that the party would now be compelled to expel him from its ranks.

The master builders have convened a meeting for Thursday of all builders to secure co-operation to control the employee's efforts to secure a reduction in hours, 1

The Crown applied to the Commodities Commission to fix the prices of clothing. The decision was adjourned;

Chief Justice Knox has been appointed a Privy Councillor.

MELBOURNE, April 28. The Premiers' Conference will *be held on May 21.

It is anticipated that the struggle in regard to the building employee-'s demand foi- a 44-hour week will be protracted.

ADELAIDE, April 28. Giving evidence before the Industrial Court, in connection with a basic wage, the , employers' representative stated that if the wiage were fixed foi a standard family of five, it would mean that over a million non-existent children would be provided for. In Australia, the statistical average of dependent children was less than ' trooper family. .

HOBART, April 28. The" Carters' Union has prepared a new log claiming a minimum wage of £7 weekly. .