AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association

move by x.k.w. cabinet. SYDNEY. October 31

The Cabinet has decided to introduce a Bill amending the Industrial Arbitration Act, abolishing compulsory Un ion ism. The decision is the outcome of the recent award of the Industrial Commissioner (Mr Piddington), when In* ruled that nonunionists who did not join a. I nion within a specified time must lie dismissed.

Preference of employment to unionists is not to be interfered with.

LIBEL ACTIONS WITHDRAWN. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 2. The Attorney-General has directed the Crown Solicitor to file a nolle prosequi in regard to libel actions against the ‘‘Morning Herald” and others, arising from the publication of the report of the Piddington Royal Commission (rahled on 7th Get.).

CITY COFNCIL LA BO FR MEMBERS. SYDNEY, Nov. 2.

The City Council Labour Aldermen propose to convene a special meeting ol the Council to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare a ease lor submission to Hon. Amery, on his arrival in Sydney, against the abolition ol tbo ( ity ('ouncil.

MINE CLOSING. SYDNEY, Nov. 2

Owing to slackness of trade Aberdeer South Colliery will be closed down Four bundled men are affected.

CLOTHING FACTORY EIRE. SYDNEY, Nov. 2,

A lire destroyed the clothing factory of A.C.B. Coy., 'in Wickham Street. The damages is estimated at C 50.000.

CHINESE TO HE DEPORTED. FREMANTLE, Nov. 2

Fifty Chinese taken from the steamer Almerk. cabled on 21st October, were o rile red to he deported, it was stated there were originally fifty-two aboard, but two died cn route. It was learned the Chinese came from Hong Kong to Singapore, where they were promised work either in Canada or in Australia. One night they were bundled into the hold of a steamer and taken to Rotterdam where they were transhipped lor an unknown destination. 'J hey were kept in the vesssel’s hold, under-fed and never brought up for Iresli air. They did not know what had become ol their companion’s bodies.

RAIN IMPROVES CROPS. SYDNEY. Nov. 1. Reports of the agricultural inspectors in several whent-growing-distriets show the recent rains greatly improved the prospects. Many crops previously regarded as a complete failure will now give a fair yield for feed supplies. In other districts rain was insufficient to do much good.”

SYDNEY, Nov. 1

As a result of the rain of the past •ouplo of days in wheat and agriculture I'owan estimates the yield will he in-n-cased from twelve to fourteen million qisl.els to twenty million. Fnfortu tit. lv pasture country which needs rain Hull" is not affected.

ANIMALS FOR ZOO. SYDNEY, Nov. 2

A. large consignment of South and Central African animals ami birds were safely landed fur Sydney zoo.

FREIGHTS ON PRODUCE. SYDNEY. Nov. 2

Tbe Secondary Industries Commission in a report recommends the Commonwealth Government should be asked to make representations to various shipping interests, including the Common wealth Government line, with a view V abolishing the differential rate of Is fid per ton against Hour so that it might he exported at the same rate as wheat. He urged the removal of wharfage rate on flour in South Australia of Is ;d pc short ton.

freight war. SYDNEY, Nov. 2

As the outcome of the freight war among coastal shipping, the inter-State Ship Owners’ Association is reducing the freight rate between Melbourne aim Sydney from 18s to 17s a ton lrom Friday next.

BISHOP COADJUTOR. SYDNEY, Nov. 2

Rev. A. L. AVeyde was consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Bathurst Diocese.

SMOKING AT WORK. BRISBANE, Nov. 2,

Work on the waterfront at Bowen had the subsequent result of twenty of the workers being fined for smoking in the woeden portion of a jetty. The men ceased work as a protest, and refused to resume, unless the AYnler Board refunds the fines and allows the men lo smoke anywhere on the wharves.