AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18540, 28 April 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

COAL MINERS’ WAGES. PROPOSED REDUCTION. Preas Assoeiatiea—By TaUgraph—Copyright SYDNEY, April 27. A bombshell was thrown into coal circles by the announcement that the owners intend to reduce wages by 33 1-3 per cent., and to revert to a working day of two shifts of eight hours each. The union anticipates serious trouble. OWNERS’ TERMS OUTLINED. 'SYDNEY, April *l, (Received April 27, at 7.30 p.m.) The terms offered to the miners bv the coal owners also include the restoration of front and back shifts; the abolition of the cavilling system or 12 months’ cavil; that machines will be used in pillar work when required; that if the management desires it the employees shall work six days each week; that the hours of surface workers shall be calculated exclusive of meal times, those of the underground and contract men from the time the last man descends until the first ascends in each shift; that the distribution of coal free or below the selling price to householders will be discontinued; only six recognised holidays yearly to be observed; hours in regard to back Saturdays to.be raised from six to eight. The conference at which this offer was made has adjourned to allow the miners’ representatives to ulace it before the miners’ lodges. The conference will resume at an early date, when the miners’ attitude will be disclosed. COMMONWEALTH STEAMERS. THE HOBSON’S BAY. MANAGEMENT STANDS FIRM. SYDNEY, April 27. . The trouble on the commonwealth liner Hobson’s Bay is regarded as an. attempt by the seamen fo impose a system of job control. A ballot taken by the Seamen’s Union decided that the members should individually present themselves for engagement. It was also decided that the original crew of the steamer should not be allowed to participate in the ballot or again rejoin her. Inter the seamen and firemen Sent by the union presented themselves for engagement, but the management insisted on selecting its own crew, the men selected by the union being rejected. Only three signed on. A lively scene followed, but the management remained firm. It is now stated that the management has resolved to advertise for a crew rather than submit to dictation by the anion. An attempt was also made by the Stewards’ Association to prevent members of the union who engaged for the Hob son’s Bay from commencing work. These men, however, ignored the directions of the union officials and went aboard, where they held a meeting, and officially notified the association that they were determined to stay aboard. HOTELS AND ANZAC DAY. SYDNEY, April 27. The action of a number of hotelkeepers in voluntarily closing their hotels during the whole of Anzac Day has met with much commendation. One of the closed ; hotels displayed, across its front sign the words “Lest we forget.” FEDERAL FINANCES. MELBOURNE, April 27. It is anticipated that the Federal Budget, which will be delivered shortly, will show a more satisfactory position than was anticipated. The Customs revenue isalready in excess of the Estimates, and other sources of revenue have also proved elastic. This, combined with substantial reductions in the expenditure, is expected to produce a surplus. BOY IMMIGRANTS. PERTH, April 27. Mr Hughes, who is- visiting Western Australia, promised a deputation assistance in bringing out English boys to settle on the land. He said that he was favourable to the immigration of boys, who nad a better chance of becoming imbued with Australian ideas than adults would have. MR HENRI VERBRUGGHEN. SYDNEY, April 27. Mr Verbrugghen has cabled asking for an extension of his leave for the purpose of conducting a short season in .America. He conducted Hie Detroit Orchestra' with great success, TROUBLE ON STEAMER SETTLED. SYDNEY, April 27. (Received April 27, at 7.30 p.m.) The steamer Coolanda has sailed for New Zealand coal laden after a delay over the question of trimming, which had held her up since Friday. The firemen demanded the appointment of three trimmers. The company finally agreed, and the trimmers were provided.