MISCELLANEOUS CABLES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18128, 18 July 1924, Page 9

MISCELLANEOUS CABLES.

At the education conference in London it was stated that the London County Council was considering a proposal that a one year's interchange of teachers would be considered. They would be granted leave of absence on full pay, thereby not interfering with the continuity of their services for superannuation. The proposal is being submitted to the Dominions.

The Sydney sub-branches of the Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen's Association decided to instruct tho Federal officers to refuse to acoept a new award. It resolved to form a council of action to draw up its demands to be presented to the employers. If these are refused, a general striko will be declared.

In the House of Commons, replying to Mr A. Barnes (Labour), who suggested an alteration of the title of the Secretary of State for Colonies so as to include the Dominions, Mr Clynes said that the question had been considered periodically during the last few years, but it was always felt that there vtps no pressing need or desire for a cnange.

Mr Payne, chairman of the Queensland Prickly Pear Commission, states that prickly pear has infested Queensland td such aii extent that it has spread over freeholds and Crown lands totalling 50,000,000. acres. It is continuing to spread at the rate of 327,322 acres per annum. A million acre 3 served by railways have been Tendered almost useless from the point of view of settlement and revenue production.

' About 500 labourers employed at tho Victorian Electricity Commission works at Morwell have struck. They claim that certain men were not being paid in accordance with the award fixed by the board.

In view of the ravages of "Bunchytop" in the Northern Rivera (NewSouth Wales) banana plantations, the Tweed Fruitgrowers' Association has decided to send two delegates to Fiji to enquire into the industry there, especially in' regard to the reported disease-resistant plants and thoir possible introduction' into Australia.