AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 89, 11 January 1923, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

LATEST BY THE MAIL The final count of the votes in the Federal Elections reveal an absolute deadlock unless Mr. Hughes, the Nationalist Leader, and Dr. Earle Page, Leader of the Country Party, can compose their differences.. The main difficulty, it appears, is that of leadership, and it is a real difficulty. The Seamen’s Union is making another attempt to introduce “job control,” its latest move being adorned by a new name —‘‘the roster”—which is likely to be solidly opposed -by the shipping companies. There is every appearance of a serious split in the A.L.P. ranks as the result of certain efforts by Mr. Dooley, Mr. Charlton, and Senator Gardiner to remodel the Labour movement, and Mr. Dooley himself is threatened with political extinction. An important report by non-comformist church bodies on the question of church union reveals a long step in advance of previous decisions on the subject. Other items of interest refer to the closing down of the important State oil industry, the efforts to re-establish the Newcastle steel works, building costs in Sydney, the future of the Queensland State oil bore at Roma, which cost £35,000, and a disconcerting report on the continued existence of the menace of anthrax from shaving brushes. (From the “Sydney Morning Herald.”) \ Sydney, January 6.'

FEDERAL ELECTIONS—AND AFTER

Outlook for Mr. Hughes.

The completion of the vote-counting in the Federal elections leaves the state of parties as follow: — Nationalists- 29 Labour 29 Country Party 14 Independents 2 Liberal Union 1

In the Nationalist total are included the three South Australians who were elected under the banner of the Nationalist-Liberals, whose association is affiliated with the National organisation. The two Independents are Messrs. 'Watt (Victoria) and Watson (Western Australia), but the latter is Said to favour the Nationalist Party. The single Liberal is Mr. Latham (Victoria). / No clearing of the political atmosphere can take place until the Prime Minister (Mr. Hughe's) has met the members of the Nationalist Party. Some time must elapse before members from the far distant States can assemble in Melbourne. It is hoped, however, to hold the meeting in Melbourne some time during January. In 'the meantime, no steps will bo taken by Mr. tljighes to reconstruct his Cabinet, in order to fill the, vacancies caused by the defeat of Ministers ; nor will Mr. Hughes retire, as has been su"yested in some quarters. That much, at any rate, is clear from a discussion with Mr. Hughes on the political outlook. The Primo Minister regards the position as extremely delicate, and he is. not disposed at present to make anv detailed public statement. This is'not because he has not formulated his ideas regarding the situation, but because he feels that any false step might render the position quits unworkable. His attitude, if it can be summed up succinctly, ,s ./ Let the dead oast be buried; time will solve all things.” “At present I have little to say onthe political outlook,” said Mr. Hughes, in the course- of a- conversation. “From the election figures which are available, it is evident that the Government can only be carried on effectively hr an arrangement between two of the three parties in the Parliament. An arrangement between Labour and one of tho other two parties is unthinkable. It is obvious that if we are to have stable government the two parties opposed to Labour must combine or come to some arrangement, formal or otherwise, and that arrangement must be ratified separately by the two parties. I only express my personal opinion, for this again is a matter for the parties themselves to consider.”

The whole problem is concerned with the ouestioß of leadership. The determination of the Country Party members not to accept Mr. Hughes as leader and also the result of the elections have convinced several members of the Nationalist Party that a change in the leadership is inevitable. That view does not appear to'be accepted generally among members. Mr. Hughes has. a strong personal following, who will urge him to retain office

The Premier of South tA/jstralia (>TV Henry Barwell) says that as far as South Australia is concerned, the aim since the war has been to restore the Liberal Party, not only as a separate and definite entity, but to power. The general opinion in that State was that the Coalition Party was best suited to abnormal times., such ns the recent war period. When normal times returned the various factions comprising the coalition, some of them holding directly opposite political 'views, had been asked to take their own road. Decisions of the electors at the last State and the recent Federal elections had fully upheld this view, and the Liberal candidates had been returned. Satisfactory legislation to the people was not possible with a. coalition, as practically all agreement was reached only after each side had compromised more or less.

JOB CONTROL BY A NEW NAME

Seamen’s “Roster.”

A new system is about to be introduced by the seamen in supplying labour to the shipping companies. ft will be known as the roster system, and if it is carried out its evil effects will be just as bad as those experienced by the shipowners under the job control practised in the past. The idea, of the proposal is to place the whole of the members of the union on a roster, and when a ship requires a crew, the number of men required will bo chosen by the union from those at the head of tho roster. This would mean that the shipowners would have foisted on them many ‘'undesirables.” It is not likely that companies, or the officers of tho boats will submit to tho scheme, but will demand the right to pick and choose the men they desire. Even many of the seamen, particularly tho genuine ones, are opposed to i he scheme. It is said that if tho union endeavours to enforce the scheme, a new seamen's union will bo formed. Official? of the Seamen’s Union arc faced with a trying situaEon, owing to the largo number rf members who are out of work. Many of those uro Idle as a result of the reoaut boycott

of the Union Company, and with the successful introduction on the company’s vessels of volunteer labour, these men have lost their former employment. A number of vessels are still laid up in Sydney and elsewhere, partly owing to tho shipping depression, and partly, in consequence of the attitude of officials of the union towards some of the idle steamers. In addition to all these. » section of the .Seamen’s Union is out of employmentthrough being unsuitable tu employers. For instance, all membcis of tho union are not British born, and unless British born, a sailor cannot secure employment on a vessel of the Commonwealth Government Lino. Again some members have records which preclude them from employment by Australian shipping lines. Shipping. companies object that tho men who have been out of employment longest aie most likely to be unsuitable for employment. Another objection is that th? men sent down by the union may not be suited for that particular trade in which the vessel to be manned is engaged. But these - are really only details, tho main objection is that every cniploycr has tho right of employing whom ho chooses, and has tho right to demand the best man offering for any vacancy. In the event of the Seamen’s Union attempting to enforce the roster system, it is regarded as certain that it will meet resistance.

THREATENED LABOUR SPLIT Mr. Dooley ‘‘Marked” for the Door. Tho leader of tho New South Wales State Labour I’lrty, Mr. J. Dooley, expects, as the result of a circulai signed by himself, Air. Charlton leader of tho Federal Labour Barty, and Senator Gardiner, that a small section of tho Labour movement, in an endeavour to defeat them, “will adopt mud-slinging tactics. Tho Labour movement, or, rather, the healthy portion of it, knows wo aro right when wo say that our organisation wants improving, ; nd that certain alterations aro absolutely necessary. ' The leaders of tho Labour Party, both Federal and State, have irjade up their minds that they will do their duty, irrespective, of any criticism or abuse that may be levelled against- them.” A special meeting of tho A. L.P. Executive was held to consider the matter, and after listening to Air. Gardiner’s explanation of tho reasons why tho circular was issued, it was decided to take no extreme action. It was further decided that tho executive should prepare a statement explaining the position. At the conclusion of tho meeting it was ■ officially stated that tho explanation was considered satisfrmtary, and that “any differences that did exist” had now been satisfactorily settled.

Although the A.L.P. officials declare that the differences between tho executive and the Labour members of Parliament have been satisfactorily settled, there is still a section of the executive bent on the expulsion from the movement of Mr. Dooley (leader of tho State Parliamentary Party). It is asserted'in Labour and union circles that but for the fact that Air. Charlton and Senator Gardiner had attached their signatures to the circular, which caused such a commotion iu the Labour camp, the executive would have had no compunction in resorting to extreme measures so far as Air. Dooley was concerned.

ATlm fight has now been transferred tb the State Labour Parliamentary .Party, in which a serious split is threatened. At the next meeting of the Labour caucus an effort wifi he made by a section to have Mr. Dooley removed from the leadership. Should this occur, it is considered in political Labour circles that Messrs. Dunn, Lang, and McTimnaa would then lie “in the running” for the position. A member of the A L.P. executive, who has been appointed to the special committee to investigate the leaders’ circular, stated that the executive was now quite content to leave the matter to the members of the Parliamentary Party'to. deal with Mr. Dooley. The eiecutivo was confident that Mr. Dooley would be called upon by a majority of the Labour members of Parliament to resign from tho leadership, lie also believed that Senator Gardiner would be censured by the next meeting of the Labour members of the Federal Parliament for having consented to attach iiis signature to tho circular.

CHURCH UNION Joint Committee’s Report. In an effort to remove tho barriers now separating tho various Church branches, the joint committee appointed by the recent conference of Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregational ists lias published tho report of its. conclusions on the subject of Church union. ‘‘Union is the. solution of many of tho most pressing problems within Christendom. There is much darkness about us,” tho report states. “Changes have come in tho social, intellectual, and moral habits of the pcoI pie, and with them colifution of life’s issues. But there is. a call to the people, of Corl to make visible their oneness in Christ Jesus, and to this call they are responding. Men are recognising that.' whatever value mav have attached to the divisions of the Church , in former years, their unnecessary perpetuation ’ ministers to doubt, denial,

and distrust. Everywhere the churches aro praying and working for union. Is this accidental? There aro no such accidents in the Divine order. The world-wide movement is of tho Holy Spirit, and is in harmony with tho teaching and prayer of Jesus. It is a counsel and work of God. To resist it is futile —an attempt to stay tho rising tide.” After a reference to ihe significance of the Lambeth appeal, the report-states:—-“It is now- given to tho Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches to make a not unworthy contribution to tho cause of union? In Canada these three great denominations are on the eve of becoming one, undep conditions which promise increasing efficiency and power. In Australia, a similar opportunity has come, with its challenge to rise above the tyranny of denominationalism, and the power of prejudice. Tho. churches aro being tested to-day as to their ability to rouse' themselves from the sleep of custom to face their task of world-evangelisation at the call of God and man. ... ... “AVe need a Church distinctively Australian, which shall make its own contribution to the character of our nation, and to the Church universal. Denominational lines which were drawn before Australia was settled by our race have largely lost ihe meaning they once had.” SHALE OIL~WORKS CLOSED

Production Costs Too High.

Tho shale oil operations of John Fell and Co. at Newnes have ceased, owing, it is officially stated, to the high cost of production. This will be a loss not only to 370 men involved, but also, to tho Commonwealth, as it means the stopping of the production of shale oil in Australia. About 300 men have been dismissed, y,i*d only the staff of a number, of skilled men and others lemain. Engineers and tradesmen are engaged reconstructing the retorts with a. view to reopening in . about four months as a purely refining depot. Crude oil will be imported from the East, but the number of men to be employed is small compared with the number of employees during the eight years that Afessrs. Fell and Company had charge of the undertaking, which was formerly the subject of a very large expenditure incurred by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation. Air. Fell states that the shale oil deposits from, say, Aludgee to Katoomba, arc the richest in the world, but when it costs about £l5. per ton to place oil on tho market, it is patent that imported oil at £3 per ton will win always. Air. Fell also points out that whereas it cost only 16s. per ton for shale in 1915, tho cost last year was 445., an increase of 175 per cent. Air. Fell added .that he had done his best to- preserve the industry for the Commonwealth. Tho Government had an opportunity of coming '’in asj an canal partner to place on the market billions of gallons of oil imprisoned in the mountains, but indifference or apathy prevailed, resulting in the complete ‘shutting down of enterprise. SYDNEYS NEW BUILDINGS

Cost Much Too High.

AVithin tho Sydney metropolitan area during 1922 there were completed 9084 now buildings at a cost of £9.917,963. In 1921 there were erected 8537 buildings, at a cost of £9,655,163, so that during last year 547 more buildings were- erected than in 1921, and the average cost per .building was about the same. The increase in the number of buildings erected is due to a spurt.which the. trade took in the last six months of the year. Tho greatest number of new properties erected in any one year still stands to the credit of 1914. when the building boom readied its zenith. It was in August of that year that the war broke out, and at the. time of “call to arms” the trade was never more prosperous, and the cost of erecting houses was about 79 per cent. lower than 'it is to-day. In 1914 10,546 buildings were erected, at a cost of £6,775.548, while last year 9084 buildings were completed at an outlay of £9.917.963. This means that 1462 fewer buildings wore erected last year than in 1914. yet the cost showed an increase of £3,142,415. This is a. serious matter to the progress of the building trade of Sydney. The average cost per building in 1914 was £642,“ and £1092 in 1922, or an increase of over 70 per cent. OUTLOOK FOR”STEELWORKS

Agreement With Employees

As tho result of a conference between representatives of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, Limited, and the employees from the Newcastle steelworks held in Sydney an agreement was reached on the question of wages. As soon as the price of coal is reduced the company will open the Newcastle steelworks and resume operations. The works have been idle tor more than seven months. AV hen in full operation they will give employment to nearly 5000 men, A resumption would also mean work indirectly for nearly 30.(XX) employees when the subsidiary industries are taken into consideration.

The coalowners throughout the Commonwealth some time, ago made an application to the Coal Tribunal for a reduction of tho wages of the employees in the coalmining industry by 33 l-3rd per cent. That application is still under consideration bv the tribunal, and it is expected that a, decision will be given at an early date. “The arrangements arrived at in tho settlement of wages at the Newcastle steelworks,” said Mr. Lewis (general manager of the company), “removes the second difficulty in the way of restarting tho works. As pointed out in a previous public .statement issued by the. company.” he continued “there were three main items which compei’led' it to cease operations at Newcastle. They were, the existence of the -H-hour' week; the necessity of reduction in wages cost; and the high price of coal. It has been asserted 11l different quarters that the price of coal in Australia, not only favourably compares with, but is lower than, the price .of coal in every other country controlled by white people, i.e., coal produced by white labour. It should be borne in mind that the coal used in steelmaking is principally required tor the manufacture of coke, and it is interesting, therefore, to compare the cost of coke in Australia with that of England, which country at the present time is the absolute competitor for steel used in Australia. The cost of coke at the Newcastle steel works, manufactured in up-to-date ovens, in 1.921., was 375. -Id. per ton: at present in England the price is 21s. (id. per ton. The figures speak for themselves. Further, the value of coal for metallurgical purposes depends on the amount of ash. and it is well known that the English coaks are very much lower in ash than those used for making coke in Australia. presentf.o.b.price for small coal in Newcastle is 17s. 9d. per ton, but owing to the insufficient quantity of small coal, tho cost of coal for cokemaking purposes to the company was 19s. 3d. per ton. Since the cost of coke to the company from coal purchased at these prices was 375. -Id. par ion, it is abundantly clear (hat coke at 21s. (id. per ton in England must, be made Iron) coal at prices considerably less than those in existence in Australia.”

' - .OIL BORE

A Costly Failure.

Tho Queensland Minister of Mines (Air. Jones) has announced that it has been .decided to close down tho State oil bore at Roma, it had been arranged, he said, to offer the boro and about 1400 foot of 12Fn. casing to the Roma Town Council, as a water supply proposition, for £1450, this being the estimated value of the casing. Reviewing the history of the bore, Mr. Jones mentioned xliat the original boro, started many years ago, had caught fire through tho presence of gas, and had been abandoned. The bore on the present site had reached to 2700 feet, when tho bit broke in it, and all efforts to remove tho obstruction had failed. It was then decided to divert the boring in a slanting direction at a depth of about 2300 foot. In this deviation heavy water was struck, causing such difficulties that the conclusion was reached that tfie moisture was coming from the bore or well which supplied tho town, and from an old abandoned gas boro. As long as water could gain access it was considered practically impossible to produce either gas or oil, oven if either or both were present in • onsiderablo quantities. The expenditure on the present site, which dated back to the days of the Liberal Administration, had reached over £35,000.

ANTHRAX Infection from Shaving Brushes. In the report of the Microbiological Laboratory for 1922, which has been issued by tho Chief Secretary’s Department, interesting reference is made to a number of cases of anthrax which were reported in New South Wales last year. Six further eases, due or suspected to be duo io shaving brush infection, occurred. In two cases anthrax bacilli were found in the. patient’s shaving brush, and in two other instances the infection was proved in other bru.dies of the same pattern. In one case the brush was of the same type as that which was found infected in an earlier case, while in two cases the infected brushes were identical in pattern with the brush responsible for a case in .Melbourne.

“As evidence of the danger of anthrax infected brushes still being on the market, in spite of recent Commonwealth regulations,” the report states, “the following instance may be cited: —A batch of brushes belonging to five different brands was submitted for examination by a wholesale firm in Sydney. Out of tho five lots three proved to' be infected, while the remaining two belonged to, -types previously known to be infected. Eight eases at least have been associated with brushes of one or other of four of these types; in of one brush, though proved experimentally to bo infected, no human infection has been traced to its use. A glance into the window of almost any shop in Sydney where shaving brushes'are sold will show brushes bokmging to brands known to be infected That cases of anthrax are not more common can only bo due to tho fact that it is necessary for tho. skin to be pierced before infection can take place. In nearly all cases there is a historv of the patient having cut himself whilst shaving. “Since -Tune, 1920. 22 eases of anthrax have occurred in which infection was apparently acquired from shaving brushes purchased in New South Wales. Tn six instances' the disease was fatal. In inc cases anthrax bacilli were found in tho patient’s brush, in live others in brushes of the same pattern as the patient’s brush.”