AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 May 1943, Page 4

AUSTRALIA

SOLDIERS DROWNED.

(Recd. 1 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 19. Struck by a huge wave, four Australian soldiers, who were standing on the rocks at a point on the south coast on Sunday, were swept out to sea and drowned. More than 30 servicemen were standing on the rocks when the wave struck with a thunderous roar, engulfing the men. The four lost were carried out so rapidly that nothing could be done to save them. Several others were badly cut and bruised by the buffeting they received. RENTS CONTROL. CANBERRA, May 19. The Federal Government proposes to appoint a Commonwealth Rents Controller to have charge ot rents generally, and particularly to stanip out the extortionate charges for single rooms. A deputy Rent Controller will be appointed m each State. __ , INDUSTRIAL STOPPAGES I

(Recd. 1.10) CANBERRA, May 19. Strikers or employers responsible for stoppages in Australian industry will have their exemptions as protected workers removed, and will be called up by the military or manpower authorities. This decision has been made by the full Cabinet, and the Government will immediately take the necessary power under the National Security Act. Importance is attached to the fact that Mr. Curtin himself has assumed responsibility lor administering the regulations. Ministers were told that wharf stoppages were seriously impairing the efficient organisation of shipping to New Guinea and other war theatres, and the coal troubles were disrupting transport and essential services. Ministers stated later that there would be wholesale call-up of strikers if necessary. Political correspondents suggest the rising public indignation at the continued industrial trouble has assisted to influence the Cabinet decision. The Government feared a possible loss of support at the next elections. The next session of the Federal Parliament will commence on June 21.