AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1927, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

] Australian & N.Z. Cable* Association.] SYDNEY, .Manli 21. The linn stand taken by the Legislative Council over the Eamily Endownient Mill has resulted in unexpected developments. The Premier. Mr Lang, had previously announced that he would accept no amendments to the Hill, hut lie has since had a oonleieneo with the Industrial Commissioner, Mr Uiddiugtoii, K.C.. in which, it is understood, the latter pointed out that by accepting certain of the Council’s amendments, the endowment scheme would become operative, and might possibly he amended later in the session. After the conference. Mr Lang called a meeting of the Cabinet, and this meeting decided to recommend the Labour Party to accept the Industrial Commissioner’s advice. Later on the caucus met land ii agreed to motion to this effect, and also to a motion urging that the Mill should he passed without delay, and the session ended to-night, it possible. It is understood that the Caucus had agreed to accept Mon Mr Ainsworth s vital amendment, providing that any endowment must not he paid where the income is equal to the basic wage for a man, and wile without children, the income plus £l3 per year for e.'acli child under fourteen years. Some of the other Council amendments the Caucus declined to- adopt. RAILWAY RKEORM. SYDNEY. March 23. A linii'way Amendment Mill was introduced into the Assembly, which, il agreed to. will mean that the railways will again he placed within the ambit of political control. Not only does it empower the Minister of Railways .to give notice to any Commissioner to

vacate office, hut it also indicates the poi’icy to the Commissioner. Another new provision is that one of the thiee Commissioners must he elected by the employees. The Bill proposes to reduce the salary of the Chief Commissioner from £SOOO to £4OOO and those of the Assistant Commissioners from £2500 to £2OOO. SYDNEY, March 24. The N.S.W. Railway Bill provides that the services of those employees who were dismissed for participating in the great railway strike in 1917, and who subsequently were rc-emploved, shall 1 include all their services prior to their dismissal. This will upset the decision of the Commssioners and also of the previous National Government, and it allows what the Labourites have long fought for. The bill also provides for preference for unionists. It stipulates that no work shall he any longer done under the bonus system in the railway service.

A SEA MYSTERY SYDNEY, March 24

At the Marine Court inquiry info the foundering of the Galava, cabled on lOili. February, it was found that the Court was unable, from the evidence, to arrive at a decision as to the cause of the disaster. The evidence showed the steamer underwent extensive repairs in January, and was in firstclass efliciont condition.