AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 15513, 8 June 1914, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

COACH-DRIVER'S DEATH. STABBED BY A CHINESE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. ""SYDNEY, June 7. Regarding the murder of James Davideon, driver of the Walgett coach, at a wayside inn, it appears that an argument occurred between Davidson and a Chinaman, who was a passenger, the latter accusing the driver of cheating him. Davidson retired to his roam in the Wutalibah _ Hotel, and early in the morning the Chinaman, burst into his room and stabbed him to death. The wounds were apparently inflicted with a large pocket-knife. An inquiry was opened, but was adjourned to allow a Chinese interpreter to be present.

THE MAITLAND MINERS. APPEAL FOR FUNDS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. "SYDNEY, June 8. (Received June 8, at 9.30 a.ra.) The Australasian Labor Federation are supporting the Maitland miners in the dispute over the afternoon shift. The men admit that they are ceasing work, but contend that the day-men wera locked out. A manifesto has been issued appealing for funds and stating that 2,000 men are affected. FACTORY HANDS. AVERAGE WAGE STATISTICS. MELBOURNE, June 8.

Tho Government Statistician's report on the distribution of wages paid to employees in the manufacturing industries shows the average wage for men to be 49s 3d per week. THE APPROACHING ELECTIONS. MR COOK'S "CONFIDENCE. MELBOURNE, June 8. The Prime Minister (Mr Cook) stated in a speech that, for the first time in Federal history, Tory electors were now "up against it" They would have to choose between Socialism and Progressive Liberalism. "If every Liberal elector goes to the poll I have no fear as to the result," added Mr Cook.

WIND AND SEA. ISLANDS DEVASTATED. SYDNEY, June 8. A hurricane, accompanied by a tidal wave, swept the Tokelau Group (north of Samoa) recently. The islands were devastated and four lives lost.

THE MEAT TRUST. QUEENSLAND OPERATIONS APPROVED BY THE STjTE PREMIER. SYDNEY, June 8. (Received June 8, at 10.40 a.m.) Tho Queensland Premier (Mr Denham), now in Canada, has arrived at Niagara. He states that there is no evidence that any trust or combine is operating in the meat markets of Queensland. Certain firms are simply engaged in a butiness proposition to secure supplies for the American market, and he is satisfied that the producer will benefit by their operations. SEAPLANE'S ASCENT. TEN THOUSAND FEET. SYDNEY, June 3. The French aviator, M. Gulllaux, has established a seaplane record by ascending ' 10,000 feet. Ho went as high as it was possible for him to breathe without an oxygen inhaler.