SENATE v. GOVT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 March 1931, Page 7

SENATE v. GOVT.

WATERSIDE PREFERENCE

DISALLOWAL EVADED

[BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.]

(Received March, 21, 11 a.m.) CANBERRA, March 21.

The Senate by 20 to. 7 disallowed the regulations under the Transport Workers’ Act, giving preference of employment to the Australian Watersiders’ Federation members. Immediately after the Senate adjourned, the Executive Council met and approved of new regulations, similar to those just squashed, and -later, a Gazette announced the fresh regulations would operate forthwith. • The Senate was thus flouted, but has an opportunity of again expressing disapproval as the regulations must come before it within thirty days. Sir G. Pearce, in moving the disallowance, challenged the Government to seek a double dissolution, which he said it had several times hinted was desired.

BANK DEFIES GOVERNMENT. . CANBERRA, March 20. The Fiduciary Currency Bill debate is unfinished.

A scheme to tax the public servants’ salaries so as to save £lOO,OOO in a year, was announced in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr. Scullin. “This tax must stand or fall by a tax on interest,” declared Mr. Scullin. “We will not allow the one without the other.” * Mr. Scullin mentioned that Sir Robert Gibson (chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Board) had stated that if the Government’s financial legislation were passed, the Commonwealth Bank-would not carry out Parliament’s instructions.

' SHIPMENTS OF GOLD.

CANBERRA, March 21.

Replying in the House to Mr Hughes, Mr Scullin said that Sir R. Gibson, of the Commonwealth Bank, had expressed the opinion that it might be necessary some time, in order to meet obligations oversea, to ship Australian gold. Mr Scullin added he thought that position was rapidly arising. Speaking in the fiduciary currency debate, the Prime Minister said Mr Theodore, as a man of- experience, was restored to the Treasurership because 'the situation might become desperate. While the Government intended to reduce the public service costs, the basic wage ;and pensions would be preserved. A central -Powers’ reserve bank would be established for the maintenance, stability, and security of the monetary system of the Commonwealth.

k N.S.W. INTEREST ARREARS.

CANBERRA, March 21.

No information has been received regarding the New South Wales Government’s arrears of interest payments, already totalling £220,876. In the event of default, it is pointed out that the State may be sued by bondholders and any of the parties to the financial agreement.

SWAMPING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

SYDNEY, March 2,1.

The “Sydney Morning Herald” fore-' casts another attempt, next week, to swamp the Legislative Council with Labour nominees. Trades Hall unions and aspirants for appointment are becoming insistent that something should be done, but it is expected that the Governor will take a stand on the ground that the abolition measure is still sub judice. The Labour Army secretary is in communication with all unions asking that members be enrolled.

COMMANDEERING FLOUR

SYDNEY, March 21

. A State Government proclamation states that the Flour Acquisition Act operates on March 31, after which all lots exceeding one ton, will be acquired from the holders, and millers will be compelled to furnish returns fortnightly; of the quantities manufactured. The flour thus obtained will be sold" to bakers at a price to be fixed, the profits going to relieve necessitous farmers. ——— I ' “DOLE”' RELIEF FRAUDS. SYDNEY, March 21. ’ Investigation into a series of alleged dole ticket frauds, resulted in the arrest of an official of the State Labour Bureau, and four others for complicity in theft and trafficking in food relief coupons worth £250. Several prosecutions in the country ended with various terms of imprisonment. One man had a motor-cycle and side-car, in which he had a hundredweight of groceries, obtained by abuse of the relief system.