Australian Cables.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 186, 22 July 1920, Page 5

Australian Cables.

FIGHT WITH SHEARERS. AUSTRALIAN GRAZIERS FIRM. NO YIELDING ON HOURS QUESTION. IBy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.] Sydney, July 21. Although a few earlier shearing sheds have started on the graziers’ terms, the officials of the Australian Workers’ Union declare that its members will not start unless the forty-four hours’ week is conceded. The graziers jxrint gut that the shearers’ own rules provide a forty-eight hour week, and they are illegally breaking the award, which can only be varied through appeal to the Arbitration Court. Having conceded to the shearers’ demands except shorter hours, the graziers consider they can confidently appeal for public support in fighting the battle, which involves much more than the shearing industry. Members of the union are not unanimous in support of shorter hours and the graziers believe they arg able to secure a sufficiency of labour on their terms. The press regards the question as a vital one. involving every other' industry in the country. CX )N FLICTIN G STATE MEN TS. (Received 22, 11 a.m.) Sydney, July 22. Conflicting statements respecting shearing operations have been issued by the Graziers' Association and the Australian Workers’ Union. The latter's secretary denies that work was started at Moree, stating that shearers to a man are standing out for a fortyfour hour week. —(A. and N.Z.)

SHIPPING IMPASSE. AUSTRALIA IN DIFFICULTIES. COMBINE FIGHTS COMMONWEALTH LINE. Melbourne, July 21. At the final session of tfth Premiers’ Coiycrence Mr. Hughes created'a sensation by declining to prolong the Federal wheat pool, declaring that each Stare must look after its own producers iji the coming harvest. The action is apparently the outcome of the conflict between the Commonwealth Line stmimeis mid the shipping combine, which Mr. Hughes informed the conference was trying to drive the Federal Line off the seas. . He stated that the fight was being' waged on dines which entirely deprived the Federal steamers of back loading to Australia. In view of this the States will be m a precarious position when shifting the next iiarvest. as it is inferred that the combine will retuse to handle any ol the new crop unless given the trans|s>rt of the whole. The Federal steamers will only be able to move a small part. The State Ministers of Agriculture meet on Friday to consider the matter. 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE, (Received 22, noon.) Melbourne, July 22. Replying to a question regarding renewal of British mail contracts, the Postmaster-General said he did not consider it necessary, as suggested, to' make a special contract with the Oceanic*Coinpany, as the San Francisco route was already being utilised under lion-contract conditions, when any advantage likely to be gained in regard to arrival ot mails in England was used.—(A. and N.Z.) BOOTS COMING DOWN. (Received 22, noon.) Sydney, July 22. There is consternation in the leather trade over the fall in prices. Many who speculated at -late high prices have been caught with large stocks. Many boot manufacturers who are heavily stocked are beginning to force the market by selling at lower prices than that which have been ruling lately. A considerable fall is anticipated.—(A. and N.Z.) NEWSPRINT SHORTAGE. (Received 22, noon.) Melbourne, July 22. In the House, Mr Hughes, replying to questions regarding the scarcity of newsprint, said the Ministry had already arranged with Canadian.mills for a supplv of paper required by the provincial “press. The Ministry was prepared to sympathetically consider any suggestion to -relieve the situation in Australia.—(A. and N.Z.)^ t

TAXING LARGE SALARIES TO PROVIDE CHILD ENDOWMENT. (Received 22, 11 a.m.) Sydney, July 22. Mr Dooley (Chief Secretary) is suggesting the taxation of salaries of over £3,000 for children endowment. He expressed disapproval! of the lottery proposal for revenue purposes. (A. and N.Z.) . PRINCE HAS A COLD. Hobart. July 21. ■ The Prince arrived in Launceston suffering from a cold. , On his doctor’s advice lie is conserving his voice.. In replv to the Mayor’s speech of welcome the Prince did not speak, but handed a written speech to the Press. COMMONWEALTH NOTES. The Federal Liquor Trades Defence Union i- contributing LTO.O’O to the QiieC:r-l.ind liquor o"g;iiiisatiou, to help the campaign agaii -t proliibitii n. The vole will be taken in O Cober.