AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18760, 13 January 1923, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

FORTY-EIGHT HOUR WEEK. INTRODUCED ON RAILWAYS. Press Association—By Tclegroph—Copyright SYDNEY, January 12. The Railway Commissioners have announced that from Monday next the 48hour week will be introduced in the railway and tramway workshops, and that Saturday morning work will also be reverted to. Following this, a number of employees have been given notice of dismissal for the reason that with the longer working week their services will not be required. A mass meeting of engineers on Saturday will consider what action shall be taken. WAGES FOR SICK SEAMEN. ADELAIDE, January 12._ A meeting of the Seamen’s Union discussed the question of seamen's wages when they were left ashore while sick at ports outside their home norts from the 'Commonwealth Government steamers. It is stated that while the Navigation Act provides for the payment of wages the lino refused to do so. The meeting decided to refuse to sign on in the Commonwealth Government’s ships except under conditions providing for such payment. REGULATING COMMISSION RATES. BRISBANE, January 12. Under the Profiteering Prevention Act a proclamation has been issued regulating the rates of commission which may be charged by commission agents selling fruit, AUSTRALIAN GOLD YIELD. MELBOURNE, January 12. The Commonwealth gold yield last year was 761,4260 z fine, an increase of 3030 z compared with the previous year. This is the first time since 1913 that the decline in the yield has been arrested. SENATE ELECTIONS. MELBOURNE, January 12. , Mr Findlay (Labour) was elected to the third Senate vacancy, making three Labour senators for the State. BRISBANE, January 12. (Received Jan. 13, at 0.40 a.m.) Speaking at a primary meeting, Mr Earle Page (leader of the Federal Country Party) said the new Federal House would consist of 29 Labourites, 26 Nationalists, 14 members of the Country Party, and a few Independents. What the I country demanded was a sound, sane i Government, and the balancing party in the new House could be made to lend itself to the establishment of such a Government. The meeting carried a resolution in favour of making arrangements with the other anti-Socialistic parties in the House having kindred objects.