AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 17954, 27 April 1922, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. HOBSON’S BAY’S CREW. NO RESTRICTIONS. SYDNEY, April 26. A stop-work meeting of tho Seamen’s Union decided that no’’restrictions should be placed on members seeking work on tho Hobson’s Bay. IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES. MELBOURNE, AprH 26. A conference convened by the Minister* of Customs of those interested in tho superphosphates and SiKphur industries appointed a committee to report upon a scheme for developing this new and vitally important national industry without detriment to other primary producing interests. THE DEATH PENALTY. SYDNEY, April 26. Cabinet has decided not to make any general pronouncement of its views on tho question of capital punishment, but will consider each case on its merits. THE BASIC WAGE. SYDNEY, April 26. The Board of Trade met to review the basic wage. Tho representative of tho employees asked for an increase on the ground that iho standard of living should bo improved. Tho employers contended that tho standard was fair and just, and, as prices hud fallen, wages should bo reduced. Tho board adjourned sine die. It will consider in the meantime whether it will fix a now wage. RAILWAY SERVANTS’ PAY.AN IMPORTANT CASE. SYDNEY, April 26. The High Court reserved its judgment in tho appeal of iho Railway Commissioners against tho recent decision of Mr Justice Scholes, who found in favor of two railway employees who brought _an action against the commissioners, claiming arrears of increased pay alleged to ho due to thorn under the Federal award made on tho .application of tho Amalgamated Society of Engineers. If the commissioners’ appeal is unsuccessful it will involve an additional annual outlay of £60,000 in wages. FEDERAL FINANCES. MELBOURNE, April 27. (Received April 27, at 10.30 a.m.) It is anticipated that the Federal Budget, which will he delivered shortly, will show a more satisfactory position than was anticipated. Tiro Customs revenue is already in excess of the Estimates, and other sources of revenue have also proved elastic. This, combined with substantial reductions in the expenditure, is expected to produce a surplus, BOY IMMIGRANTS. MR HUGHES APPROVES. PERTH, April 27. (Received April 27, at 10 a.m.) Mr Hughes, who is visiting Western Australia, promised a deputation assistance in bringing out English boys to settle on the land. Ho said that he was favorable to the immigration of boys, who had a better chance of becoming imbued with Australian ideas than adults would have. HENRI VERBRTJGGHEN. SYDNEY, April 27. (Received April 27, at 10.30 a.m.) Mr Verbrugghen has cabled asking for an extension of his leave for tho purpose of conducting a short season in America. Ho conducted tho Detroit Orchestra with great success.