AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 December 1928, Page 7

AUSTRALIA

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) PEACE-IN-INDUSTRY. MELBOURNE, December 7. The Peace-in-Industry Conference has settled down to work. Sir Arthur Duckham, Sir Hugo Hirst, two of the big four, were again present, and gave addresses. H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, December 7. H.M.A.S. Melbourne, formerly flagship of the Australian Navy, which cost £405,000 fifteen years ago, has been sold to shipbreaking yards at Greenock, Scotland, for £25,000. WATERSIDER ATTACKED ADELAIDE, Dec. 8. A stevedore foreman’s home was bombarded with stones, the windows smashed and other damage done. The householder, recently withdrew from the Waterside Workers’ Federation. SHIPPING FREIGHTS. CANBERRA, December 7. Threats of increased shipping freights between Australia and England are causing the Commonwealth Government concern. Mr. Bruce stated that if freights were increased there would be an outcry both here and in England. METAL-TRADES DISPUTE. SYDNEY, December 7. Trouble is looming for the metal trades in Sydney. The employees, under instructions of their unions, are refusing to work overtime, whereby contracts are unfulfilled or delayed. The employers irritated, have warned the men that they will take drastic action if the awards are not obeyed. N.S.W. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SYDNEY, Dec. 8. Premier Bavin stated that Cabinet during the present Parliament would give effect to the policy of reforming the Legislative Council. The bill provided that Council should not be abolished, or its constitution amended until a bill for such purpose was approved by the electors by way of referendum. SAVINGS BANK SYDNEY, December 8. The annual report of the State Government Savings Bank shows the total amount to the credit of depositors was £70,691,471. Over forty per cent, of population had accounts in the bank. Interest added to the accounts amounted to £2,500,402. New accounts totalled £996,992.

WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION SYDNEY, December 8. The onerous conditions imposed upon the Broken Hill mining companies, under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, have culminated in a demand on the Junction North, Broken Hill mine for the payment of £38300. As a consequence, the chairman of directors has tendered his resignation, saying that the Act is a crushing impost, and the only thing to do is to give up entirely.