AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17651, 11 December 1920, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

SHORTER WORKING WEEK. NEW SOUTH WALES BILL. A. and N.Z. SYDNEY. Dec. 10. In the Legislative Assembly last evening, i introducing r. the Forty-four Hour Week Bill Mr. G. Ca„n, Minister for Labour, said that 80 industries were already working the 44-hour week. He urged employers and employees where practicable, to arrange mutually to work a little longer each day " and abolish Saturday work. The second reading was carried on the voices. THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY. AWARDED TO MARINE STEWARDS. MELBOURNE. Dec. 10. The Commonwealth Shipowners' Association has decided to grant an eight-hour , day to stewards and pantrymen. .—- REQUISITIONED STEAMERS. CLAIM FOR £50,000. SYDNEY, Dec. 9. The Limerick Steamship Company has issued a writ claiming £50,000 damages from Scott, Fell and Company and the Commonwealth Government in respect of the requisitioning of the steamers Emerald Wmgs and Bright Wings by the Federal Government. RENT-RAISING RESTRICTIONS. SYDNEY. Dec. 10. The Legislative Assembly amended the Faix Rent Bill to provide that owners of houses must go to the Court for permission before raising rents of houses. UNEMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA. _ . MELBOURNE, Dec. 10. Unemployment is ' rife in many industries, notably bootmaking, tanning, confectionery, rubber, and eome branches of the wool trade. The position in the clothing trade is stated to be the worst for 20 years. FEDERAL LOAN RUMOUR. MELBOURNE, Dec. 10. Sir Joseph Cook, Federal Treasurer, denied the statement contained) in a cable message from London that the Commonwealth was contemplating a £10,000 loan. ' PARLIAMENTARY SALARIES. SYDNEY, Dec. 10. The Legislative Council read a second time by 28 votes to 10 the Bill to increase the salaries of Ministers and ■ members. The third reading was carried/ on the voices without amendment. A BOXER'S STATUS. SYDNEY. Dec. 10. The Amateur Boxing Committee refused permission to Harold Hardwick to be reinstated as an amateur after boxing as a professional. GIANT NUGGET FOUND. ® SYDNEY. Dec. 10. A gold nugget weighing 1540z. was found in the Bathurst district.