AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXIII, Issue 281, 6 December 1911, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Press Assn—By telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, December 5. Mr Justice Higgins has commenced tho hearing of the Merchant Service Guild case, claiming better conditions and wages for masters and officers of inter-State steamers. Several companies have already signed agreements and their names have been struck out. Giving evidence at the Daylight Saving Inquiry the secretary of the Labor Council thought it would be an advantage from a hygenic point of view for the workers to have a chance of more open-air recreation. Extra daylight would be a facto)- making for more overtime work. The Herald takes Mr M'Gowan to task for his spineless reply io the deputation against boxing contests, and adds that "a boxing contest, conducted to a knockout on gentlemanly lines, is not a draw. A more gladiatorial spectacle is more likely to draw. We are not among those who try to force refined morality by legislation, but the limit is reached when so-called sport becomes a foul ulcer infecting any who are unable to protect themselves.'' The Herald, commenting on the New Hebrides situation, says the present arrangement between Britain and France cannot last very long. "We cannot expect the Mother Country to negotiate with the idea that she is to bear all the burden. It is possible an exchange of territory, or a monetary compensation, may be ultimately effected. Jn the event of a cash settlement or a,ny statesmanlike handling of the thorny question, all would appeal lo the -Commonwealth, and a reasonable claim for substantial financial help would be accepted and endorsed without haggling or regret. In the .-U>:emb'J'y tJie income-tax debate wa.s closured on the second reading and carried by 33 to 21. i here has been a further heavy rainfall, which is widespread; and the outlook is immensely benefited by the recent general rains. .Messrs Hoskins discharged 70 men engaged in extension works and other branches of the Lithgow ironworks. It is rumored that the blast furnaces will shortly he closed. It is expected the firm will proceed against the Government for cancellation of contracts. MELBOURNE. December 5. In the House, ■«. Bill to place civil servants under the Federal Arbitration Act wias read l a second time. Tli!e debate disclosed.' that severed' members' of thio Labor Party oppose t'liie 'measure for various reasons. Till© Fod'eraJ Government has decide el to acquires a block facing thlei Strand (London) as <a site for tliA Cninmonwealth, offices, a.t .a, cost «f about £'350,000 and 'to erect buildings costing £200,000. Kighty-four domestic servants have, arrived. All were engaged before tbev left tho vessel. [ ADELAIDE, December 5. The lamhing returns .are bellow tine average, owing to failure of early iraiiiß* Heavy -rains sire now falling throughout tho agricultural .-areas, and it is .feared they will damage the bay crops.