AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5538, 21 July 1920, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association — Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. SYDNEY. July 20. The coal miners are proceeding to Melbourne to protest against the appointment or the tribunal suggested by Mr Hughes, suggesting as an alternative that the miners and owners should confer, independent of Government interference, the Cabinet to appoint a. judge to arbitrate in the event of a deadlock. (Received Jidv 20, 5.30 p.m.) SYDNEY. July 20. Mr Hughes agreed to meet the coal mine engmedrivers and firemen in conference at Melbourne, and stop-work meetings were cancelled. MELBOURNE, July 20. Judgment was given in favor of the Geelong Advertiser in a libel action in which Mr Ozanne. formerly a member of the House of Representatives, claimed £SOOO damages for statements concerning him while on active service. The Premiers’ Conference is referring the uniform gauge problem to a board of enquiry, consisting of two experts from outside Australia and an Australian chairman. The enquiry will embrace the best gauge for and the annual cost between the capitals, also file cost throughout the Commonwealth. PERTH, July 19. ,

The Civil Service strikers have notified the Premier of their willingness to resume negotiations for a settlement. Later. PERTH, July 1.9. The Government is conferring with, the strikers, and a settlement is expected.