AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15830, 29 January 1915, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MINING DISPUTE

FAILURE OF CONFERENCE

By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright*

Sydney. January 28. The conference between the mineowners and the Miners' Union on the dispute concerning the •'afternoon shift." has failed, all the. proposals of either side having been rejected. The men's representatives, after stating that the union had rejected the proposals made by the proprietors at the last conference, made suggestions for the abolition of the second shift in various mines, within from six to eighteen months. They also asked for an extra 3d a ton hewage rate, after the first three months, until the abolition of the shift, and 10 per cent, extra for all employees working on the second and third shifts.

The proprietoi-s rejected the proposals, but renewed the offer made at the previous conference, with this addition, that they would pay 3d per ton extra, lor coal won with the pick in the afternoon shift and 2d per ton extra for coal won bv machine. They further offered to place a limitation on the afternoon shift at various mines at from three to five vears. There were no proposals for a further conference.

WHEAT SEIZURE CASE.

JUDGMENT RESERVED.

(Received January 28. II p.m.)

Melbourne, January 28.

The hearing of the wheat seizure case by the inter-State Commission has concluded. Judgment was reserved.

CHARGES AGAINST FINANCIER.

HEAVY BUSINESS DEALINGS

(Received January '28. 11 p.m.) .

Sydney, January 28.

The hearing of the charges of forgery and uttering against Joseph Earle Hermann, financier, has been adjourned for three weeks, to enable investigation into his accounts. It is stated that during ten years £7,000,000 passed through Hermann's hands. It is intimated that the ground of defence will be that Hermann was suffering from epileptic insanity. ASPERSIONS ON MINISTERS. RUMOURS OF BRIBERY. (Received January 28. 11 p.m.) Sydney, January 28. In the New South Wales Assembly Mr. Ashford denounced the rumour that three members of the Government had received £1000 in connection with the wheat seizure measure as a lying statement. NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATION. PROTEST BY OPPOSITION. i (Received January 28, 11 p.m.) Sydney, January 28. Mr. C. G. Wade, Leader of the Opposition, protested in the New South Wales Assembly against the Government submitting a heavy programme of legislation, including controversial measures, at this time, of the year. The Government had outlined sufficient work to kill the strongest. He urged the concentration of Parliament on matters relating to the war and to helping the Empire.

BUSH FIRES IN TASMANIA.

HOMESTEADS DESTROYED.

(Received January 28. 11 p.m.)

Hobajit, January 28.

Destructive bush fires have broken out in various district.". Several homesteads and much property and crops have been destroyed. *, COMMERCIAL EXPLOSIVES. STATE MANUFACTURE MOOTED. Sydney, January 28. In view of the fact that commercial explosives threaten to become unprocurable in a fln.it time if the war continues, Mr. Griffiths, Minister for Public Works, states that the Government is considering the advisability of starting their manufacture. It is quite probable, if private supplies fall below the demands, that the Government will take over the manufacture, and supply all needs at cost price.

FIRE AT GOLD MINE.

SURFACE PLANT DESTROYED.

Melbourne. January 28.

A serious outbreak of fire at the Diarnong gold mining property at Diamong Creek demolished the entile surface plant. Some of the employees were imprisoned in the mine for three hours-, and had a narrow escape; from death. The damage to the mine is estimated at £5000.

HEAT WAVE UNABATED.

(Received January 28. 11 p.m.)

Sydney, January £3.

The heat wave is unabated. A tern perature of 103deg was registered in the city.

DAILY MOTOR TRIPS to Titirani and Mount Atkinson, leaving Henring's Motor Depot 2.50 p.m. each day. Return fare, ss. Reserve seats. 'Phone 847

Messrs. E. Turner and Sons announce that they will not have a. fruit sale to-Jay. and Saturday's sale will be held at 10 a.m.