AUSTRALIA TO-DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 24

AUSTRALIA TO-DAY.

(Fhoji Oob Own Cobbespondent..) SYDNEY, December 8. Mr Justice Edmunds lust Friday settled the coal strike very promptly and effectively, and to-day, practically all the coal miners are in active operation. The men have been granted their demand—namely, shorter hours, in the shape of the bank-to-bank clause—and, as usual, the public is to carry the extra burden. A condition of the settlement was that the coal owners should not suiter by the concession. The public has accepted the settlement with absolute indifference. It does not care if another little bit is to be whittled off the value of its sovereign, if only these strike inconveniences will cease, and the sun shine, and life resumes the even tenor of its way. The effects of the strike are still with us. Here and there the regulations have been relaxed, but, generally speaking, there is the same shortage of gas and power, and the same consequent reduction in a score of necessary public services. The authorities have their eyes fixed anxiously on the Christmas and New Year holidays, when all coal mines are idle, and they point out that unless a very satisfactory quantity of coal is hewed in the meantime, the present restrictions must continue until the mines are in full operation again in January. Australians, with characteristic optimism, hope that next week the authorities will bo able to put aside their worried look, and permit the free use of coal and power.

The air is still full of strikes, and many industries, small and large, arc threatened. A strike of moulders at present promises to cause a severe dislocation of tho engineering trade. One hears, everywhere, talk of the failuro of tho Arbitration Court system. "It's quite dead," is a general cry; "let us bury it quickly." Yet, in a great many where men have struck for other than trivial reasons, an attempt was first made to bring tho matter before the Arbitration Court, and the attempt failed because tho court is simply overwhelmed with work. It is estimated that it would take tho court two years to clear up all tho business now awaiting its attention. Trade unions, and particularly those with real grievances, are notoriously impatient, and none calmly faces the prospect of a two years' delay. The new Federal Cabinet has already announced that its policy with regard to labour disputes is arbitration. Therefore wo may expect an early effort to make the Arbitration Court system really effectivo and useful. It will not be easy, because the Cabinet will have to try to discourage the growing tendency to ignore the decisions of the court when they are unfavourable. SPLIT IN LABOUR RANKS.

As was expected, Mr Hughes's Ministry, with the support of the Liberals, survived the first no-confidence division in the Federal House of Representatives. The House has settled down to ordinary legislative business, but it is difficult to believe that tho Government can long survive under tho present extraordinary conditions. The House of Representatives presents a remarkable sight. On tho one side is a row of Ministers, behind them about three members, serving only to accentuate the emptiness of tho lengths of empty On tho Opposition side, filling every available seat, are the Liberals and Caucus Labourites, not sitting in separate groups, as might be expected, but all mixed together. Onehalf of this "Opposition" votes for tho Government, the other half against it. Officially, tho first half of the Opposition hates tho second half far more than it hates the Government; hence, it chooses tho lesser of two evils. Tho position is as quaint as it is unusual, and, as can be imagined, is proving a perfect god-send to the professional humourists of Melbourne.

Just what the split over the referendum may mean to organised Labour has been made plain at the inter-State conference of Political Labour Councils, now sitting in Melbourne. Of the two dozen delegates, only five were conscriptionists. and most of these were sent by West Australia. _ The conference adopted a motion expelling all conscriptionists from the Labour movement. The debate was a most acrimonious one, and at its conclusion the conscription delegates wore told that their presence was not desired. Senator Lynch, who had led the conscriptionists during the debate, picked up his hat, and walked towards the chairman, with his right hand extended, as if to shake hands. But the chairman, folded his arms and glared at him. The little group of men, who had defied the P.L.L., and insisted on their right of free speech, left the room amid the jeers and ironical laucrhter of the anti-consoriptionists. The passage of time seems to increase, rather than diminish, the bitterness aroused by the conscription controversy. The Labour machine is determined to shut out all who supported conscription, while those shut out are iust ns determined that their career of public usefulness shall continue, irrespective of the machine. STAMPING OUT THE I.W.W. There are indications that the heavy sentences imposed by Mr Justice Pring last week on the 12 members of the I.W.W. who were found guilty of arson, and a fewother choice crimes, will be followed by an effort to root this vicious and dangerous organisation out of the country. Mr Justice Pring made a recommendation in that direction, and the matter is now receiving consideration.

Although the I.W.W. men and their sympathisers represent only a small section' of the total population, there are enough of them to be numbered in thousands. They have already lodged an appeal against the conviction of their leaders, and they appear to be trying to stir up an agitation in favour of the latter. It is said that they approached some of the largest unions of unskilled workers, and suggested a general strike to force the liberation of the " martyrs." But while it is established that a disconcertingly large proportion of the members of these unions are believers in "sabotage" and "direct action," the tinion executives did not receive the overtures sympathetically. The authorities will not find it easy to stamp out the I.W.W. The thing has been allowed to flourish unchecked so long in the curiously favourable soil of Australia that, like any other foul growth, its eradication will require determination and patience. It is believed that if the Government attempts any sort of compromise it will fail in its purpose, and the I.W.W. will retain its vigour and flourish. But if the Government says that this thing must go, root and branch, and shows that fixity of purpose that, unfortunately, does not always distinguish Australian Administrations, the

public will strongly support the movement. Then Australia will rid itself of one of the most vital factors in the growing spirit of industrial lawlessness that is causing so much embarrassment in the country.

COOK ISLANDERS IN AUSTRALIA. New Zealand soldiers, passing through, are frequently seen in some of the Australian cities. They uro conspicuous by the different shape and coloured bands of their hats, their yellow leather belts, and—if one may be permitted to say so, the somewhat "sloppy cut of their uniforms, as compared with the neat Norfolk tunic and riding breeches worn by the Australians. Their binkiness, and the colour in their faces are also noticeable; the average Australian soldier is slimmer, more wiry, and sallow. The Anzao brotherhood is to be discerned in the welcome given the dominion men everywhere, and in tho readiness with which the Australian and New Zealand soldiers fraternise. But the Australian-' keenest interest is reserved for New Zealand's Polynesian troops. The Australian native, low in the grades of humanity, possesses none of the qualities required in a soldier entering the present war. Therefore, the handsome, intelligent, soldierly Maoris and Cook Islanders from New Zealand, and similar detachments from the French islands, have been received here with every expression of welcome and admiration. The same unliable Polynesian character that so delighted Cook at Tahiti 150 years ago is perceived by the Australians to-day, in tho brown, khaki-clad men going off lightheartedly to fight for the liberty of Europe. A hundred Cook Islanders who passed through Australia recently, on their way to join the Maori Pioneers, were given tho time of their lives. The New Zealanders in Sydney, who recently banded together to entertain and help New Zealanders passing through, saw to it that the men from Rarotonga and thereabouts enjoyed themselves thoroughly. They were admitted to theatres, taken on excursions, and feted everywhere. It was considered that they more than repaid their hosts with their wonderfully tuneful singing of island and other songs. These islanders afterwards received a most demonstrative welcome in Adelaide. They were officially received by the Mayor, taken to luncheon, and afterwards conducted on excursions about tho city. Speakers at the luncheon emphasised the prido they felt at seeing men from the remote corners of the Empire coming forward voluntarily to fight. The officer in charge, Lieutenant G. A. Bush, in replying, very warmly praised the men for their good conduct and smart, soldierlv Qualities. 100 MILES IN 80 MINUTES The flight made from Point Cook, Melbourne, to Bendigo last week by Mr Basil Watson, a young Victorian aviator, was notable for more than one reason. It is probably the longest flight yet made in Australia, and, representing 100 miles in 80 minutes, it was certainly the fastest. Further, the aviator had a somewhat adventurous trip. He left Point Cook at 10 minutes to 4, in the afternoon, and landed in Bendigo at 10 minutes past 5. Ho had to vise to 6000 ft in order to cross tho Dividing Range. When passing over Mount Macedon he encountered treacherous air currents, and was suddenly turned upside down. He fell some distance, and experienced considerable difficulty before he regained the right position. Then ho ran into thick clouds, and lost sight of everything. When ho got clear. ho was over the town of Castlemaine. Approaching Bendigo, ho was 5000 ft up, but he gradually came down, and passed over Bendigo, watched by thousands of excited people, at a height of 2000 ft. He made a safe landing on the racecourse.

Mr Watson is only 22 years old. He was at tho famous Sopwith Works, in England, when war broke out, and became a proficient aviator. Then he had a sensational accident during a flight, and was so severely injured that he was sent home. Since coming to Australia Mr Watson built the machine on which he flew to Bendigo. BOY SCOUTS GATHER BOTTLES.

This week, in Adelaide, tho Boy Scout organisation is putting into operation an ingenious and unique scheme for raising money for a commendable public purpose. There are 50 troops of tho reouts at work, and they are visiting every portion of the city—" combing every suburb of its spare glassware," as one of the organisers phrased it. Practically every residence and place of business is being visited, and requests made for a donation of empty bottles. All shapes and sizes of bottles are- beinp accepted, medicine bottles being especially in request. Householders are responding so generously that it is already certain that a large sum of money will be raised Each troops has been allotted a certain district, and much honour will accrue to the troop reporting tho largest harvest. The boys have entered into the scheme with great enthusiasm; the nature of the work and the competition seem to have appealed directly to boy nature. When operations commenced it was discovered that there was quite a keen market for broken glass, and so the collectors asked for broken glass as well as bottles. Householders thankfully gave them the opportunity of carrying it away. One large firm, which had been unfortunate in its servants, gave them half a ton. Bottles and glass are weighty things, but the not inconsiderable carting required was provided by public-spirited citizens. The professional bottle-gathervr? and marine store dealers were not expected to regard the scheme with any cordiality. One or two did give voice to a somewhat anguished protest, but the majority met, tho scouts in the right spirit, and, instead _ol opposing their activities, gave them assistance in several ways. December 12. After a storm, the calm. For many weeks past the clamour of furious politics has echoed over the wholo commonwealth. There were "scenes" in Perth, fisticuffs in Sydney, scandals in Brisbane, campaigns of hate and calumny in Melbourne. Now, beyond tho usual party insults, and not infrequent defiance of the Speaker, there is calm in the State Parliaments, and there is an unexpected lull in events in the Federal Houses.

Tho line of conduct followed by the Hughes Cabinet since it met the Federal House of Representatives suggests that it hopes to continue to live in that Chamber with the support of the Liberals, and that it will placate the Liberals by introducing only urgent war legislation of a kind that the country cannot object to. The stormcentre is to bo found in the Senate, where there is an anti-Hughes majority. It now appears obvious that Mr Hughes has planned to defeat the unfriendly designs of the Senate for the present by sending nothing to that Chamber on which the Senators may wreck the Government. There is little beyond Money Bills before Parlia-

mont, am] the Senate has quite limited powers in regard thereto. However, if the constitutional f/osition permits, there will probably be a fight over the Supply Bill. The House parsed the Supply Bill last week, and. in the two weeks remaining before Christmas, the Government hopes to complete the business and adjourn until March. Tin; hostile Labour section wants Parliament called together again in February, hoping then to get an opportunity of forcing a dissolution, and, to secure this, the Senate, when it receives tho Supply Bill this week, will probably endeavour to so reduce the amount that tho Government will be forced to meet Parliament again early in tho new year. Somo politicians have argued that the Senate has no power to amend a Supply Bill, but can only accept or reject it. If it really has power to amend, the inevitable crisis may develop in the Federal Parliament within tho next few days. It is thought more likely, however, that there will be a peaceful adjournment and a battle royal when Parliament meets again.

TAXES RENDERED LESS HARSH. Most of tho new taxation announced by the Labour Cabinet prior to the conscription referendum has been modilied by the Hughes Cabinet in certain directions whero it threatened to operate harshly. The profits of gold mining companies are not to be subjected to the war-time profits tax, and provision for tho relief of those companies whoso assets are of a wasting nature is being made. The original proposal to take 50 per cent, of war profits in the first year still stands, but 75 per cent, will be taken in the second year, instead of 100 per cent., as at first proposed. The profits of fruit-growing will not be subject to tho tax. A welcome amendment provides for tho appointment of a board to consider the matter of affording relief in cases where undue hardship is being caused by the operation of the new system. Tho levy on wealth of i per cent, is to be collected over five years —not three, as originally proposed. Donations of £5 and upwards to the Repatriation Fund will bo accepted as payment or part payment of tho wealth tax. The original proposal to increase tho income tax by 25 per < cent, still stands, but tho exemption provisions have been altered, so that they will not operate on incomes of £SOO or over. Under tho existing system tho exemptions operate until incomes reach £IO2O. The proposal to place a heavier tax upon persons without dependents will operate. Tho entertainments tax of one penny on each sixpence paid for a ticket for any kind of entertainment will bo imposed, as originally intended. Tho only alteration in the system suggested by tho late Treasurer is that no tax will bo payable on tickets of a less value than sixpence. It was at first intended to impose a tax on 3d tickets, which would have affected the cheaper class of picture palaces. NOT ENOUGH RECRUITS. It looks as if a position in tho highest degree lamentable is going to develop in Australia within the next few months. The people have rejected conscription, and — unless there is some very striking change in tho general war situation—that decision is not likely to be reviewed. Australia has five divisions to be kept up to full strength. If there are not enough recruits, one of those divisions will have to be broken up to provide reinforcements for tho other four. And at present there arc not enough recruits. Last week onlv 200 were enrolled in Sydney, which is tho biggest recruiting centre in Australia. The total for the whole Commonwealth was perhaps 500. The very least average number per week required by the military outhorities is 3COO. The newly-appointed Director-general of Recruiting lias thrown himself with splendid energy into his unenviable task. He is appointing State Councils and local committees, begging the people to forget the recent controversy and remember only the country's need. If anything could recommence adequate voluntary recruiting it would be his enthusiasm. But the shrewdest observers expect only " a flash in tho pan." Tho Director-general is up against two factors, which must wreck his best efforts—the smug determination of tens of thousands of young men that they will not risk their precious lives in the service of their country and the frank declaration by tens of thousands more that they will not enlist and leave their dependants to live meagrely on a soldier's pay, and possibly a soldier's pension, while so many of their fellows are openly shirking their duty. There is still another argument against voluntary recruiting to be heard since the disclosure made by the conscription referendum. It is something like this : Is it right to send away all the decent-minded men, and leave beh;nd in Australia that etartlingly largo mongrel class of I.W.W. men, anti-Eng-landers and revolutionaries to spread, unchecked, their doctrines of disloyalty and sedition? What advantage is to accrue to the Australian who dons khaki, aver the Australian who stays at homo in comfort and continues his almost treasonable propojranda* These may seem foolish and farfetched fears, but 'they are entertained by many people who. as a rule, are not foolish. It will be January before the recruiting campaign is properly under way.