Empire Outposts.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 272, 2 November 1916, Page 5

Empire Outposts.

AUSTRALIA. [ COALMINERS’ STRIKE. [ (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z OAIW.It ASSN.] i Sydney, Nov. 1. | All the collieries were idle to-day, which threatens to cripple industry'. Many steamers at Newcastle were held up. The conference of. parties to-morrow, it is believed, will arrive at an early settlement owing to the gravity of the situation. THOUSANDS IDLE. ‘ AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z CABLE ASSN. I (Received 2, 10.30 a.m.) Sydney, Nov. 2. Six thousand miners in the northern fields and three thousand in southern fields are idle. LITHGOW MINES STILL WORKING. {AUSTRALIAN AND N Z CAHI.L ASSN i (Received 2, 11.45 a.m.) Sydney, Oct. 2. Lithgow mines are still working. The conditions prevailing there are those which the other districts are scelmng to secure. I.W.W.’S. EXPELLED FROM RAILWAY SERVICE. ’STIOtoIN N / 'Mill- \BSN ‘ (Received 2, 1 p.m.) Sydney, Nov. 2. AS 1 the result of inquiries by the Comrpissioners, two railway employees, allegedly sympathising with I.W.W. methods, were dismissed from the service. A number of others, who stated they had been deluded into joining the organisation under the understanding that there was to be a new union, were able to prove they were loyal employees, and were allowed to continue in their employment.

The Commissioners state that the number of men concerned is a negligible quantity considering the large number employed by the department. i QUEENSLAND POLITICS. H’HTHIMAN AND N.Z CABI.b ABSN.f j (Received 2, 1 p.m.) Brisbane, Nov. 2. I The Legislative Council rejected the Commonwealth Powers Bill giving certain powers during war time. THE REFERENDUM. AFFIRMATIVE SLIGHTLY IMPROVED. i POLITICAL EFFECT OF THE VOTE. MR. HUGHES EXPECTED TO RETAIN OFFICE. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z CABLE ASSN. I (Received 2, 11.45 a.m.) Sydney, Nov. 2. The referendum returns continue to trickle in. The latest figures have slightly improved the “Yes” position, reducing the “No” majority to 80,874. The political situation is not yet clear. Mr. W. M. Hughes, Federal Premier, said it would be premature to say anything until the result of the referendum was beyond all possibility of doubt. For the present he is considering the whole position. He thought by the end of the week most of the votes would have been counted, and w-e should know fairly and definitely how- the decision of the people had gone. | In view of Mr. Hughes having ac- 1 cepted Messrs. Higgs’, Russell’s and Gardner’s resignations, and other factors, the opinion is gaining ground that he intends to continue as Prime Minister unless he is ejected therefrom. Preparations are being made w r hich indicate that he anticipates remaining at the head of the Ministry for some time to come. CHANGE COMING IN N.S.W. NO CONFIDENCE MOTION TABLED. NEGOTIATIONS FOR COALITION MINISTRY. ; AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z CAULS ASSN,] (Received 2. 10.30 a.m.) Sydney, N or. 2. In the Assembly Mr. Durack, leader of the new official Labour Party. g*ve notice that he would move a no confidence motion in the Government. *

The State Cabinet to-day con aiders the position arising from Mr. Durack’s motion, which, Mr. Holman stated, at the earliest eaunot be taken before Tuesday. In the meantime it, is understood that negotiations for the formation of a coalition Ministry are proceeding. HOBART LABOUR LEADER’S CHOICE. PRINCIPLES BEFORE PARTY. | AUSTRALIAN »M> N.Z. OAHI.B ADAN. I (Received 2, 10.30 a.m.) Hobart, Nov. 2. The Labour party have deposed Mr. Earle from the lendership because of his attitude towards conscription. (Received 2, 11.45 a.m.) Hobart, Nov. 2. Mr. Earle, announcing his deposition in the Assembly, referred to it as a painful ordeal after occupying the position of lender of the party for ten years, but his convictions on the conscription question, he said, were more to him than his political position. They were as much as life to him.