AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 18144, 7 December 1922, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Press Association—Bv Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association, WHEAT LUMPING. SERIOUS TROUBLE THREATENED. SYDNEY, December 6. (Received December 6, at 10.20 p.m.) A conference of the Australian Workers’ Union and the .wheat shipping firms to adjust the lumping rates for the season proved abortive. The men firmly demand the rates_ of the last two years, and the firms'desire a reduction in wages of 20s weekly. The secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union stated that it is practically certain that wheat will be declared black. If this threat is carried out it would have far-reaching effects, ultimately involving the watereiders and the seamen. RAIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, December 6. (Received December 6, at 10.20 p.m.) Light soaking rain throughout the State ended the dry spell. It is the best fall experienced for months past. There are indications of its continuance. ECHO OF FARR CASE. DR THOMPSON’S CLAIM. SYDNEY, December 7. (Received December 7, at 10.30 a.m.) The Supreme Court has commenced the hearing of a claim by Dr Thompson against the New South Wales branch of the British Medical Association for £5,000 as damages on the ground of alleged defamation. The proceedings are a sequel to Dr Thompson’s expulsion from membership of the association, which followed his connection with the case of Mrs Farr.