AUSTRALIAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16121, 9 May 1923, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

lElee. Tel. Copyright—united Press Aasri t SYDNEY, May ! B., There is every indication that trio rain will extend throughout the State, definitely ending the drought. (Received May 9, 11.55 a.m.) 'SYDNEY, May 9. The Muritai, the new ferry steamer for Wellington harbor, has arrived from Scotland. ; * - '■ "V

M. Raymond Pognon, president of a New Caledonian Parliament, in an interview, said Britain should forego her claims to the New Hebrides, as 75 per cent, of the white inhabitants were French; there was also the same proportion of trade and presperity. Neither the French nor the British residents sired a continuance of the condominium. A majority of the British residents favored French ownership. Australian fears that the Japanese would overrun the place if the British withdrew were groundless, as the climatic conditions were unsuitable for Japanese. There were no Japanese there at present, though there was nothing else to stop • : . them. Not a single person, not even a condominium official, was in favor of the present control. /-.s»«*£ Both factions of the Labor caucus H met under the acting-leader, Mr. Dunn, in accordance with the direction of Ine Federal executive. Both Mr. Donneley and _Mi\ McGirr were absent. The" meeting was uneventful, only formal business being transacted. Ljght to moderate 1 rains nrei reported! from all parts of the State with, the "exception of a part of the north coast. Rain also is recorded in*Victoria, Tasmania, and the southern" portion of South Australia. There is every indication that the coalowners are fully determined! to end the reign of the disturbing Red' decent. It; is understood tho question of introdttcins; ' voluntary labor into the idler mines will, bo their next meeting. The adoption of the) proposal/would l involve a. general miners' strike. The trouble sW far is mostly confined l to the Mflitland field, bufj the) .position is now complicated \>y a strike in the. South Clifton collicrv on. the Couth Coast field. Seven hundinedl men have been thrown idle. The cause of the trouble is the payment for splitting pillar coal. The centenary celebration of the Rev. John Dunmoro Lang was attended! by '; members of the Ministry and 1 ; leading citizens. His statu© in Wynyard-Squorra was decorated'. Inspiring addresses were delivered upon Dr. Lang's preat work «** •''.; a statesman and minister in laying thefoundations of Australian nationality.