COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1914, Page 6

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

[r>r Electric Telegharh—Coryeiget]

LUnited Rukss Association.J Received 9.30 a.m.) Svdncv February 6,

Mr Estell (.Minister for Labor) foreshadowed important amendments to tlie Arbitration Act, expediting and cheapening the procedure. (Received 10.15 a.m.) Sydney, February 6.

It is anticipated that to-night’s meeting of wharfmcn will adopt the policy recommended by the W aterside Workers’ Federation not to work overtime in future. As the employers, firmly maintain their attitude of re-i fusing the Federation’s demands for] increased rates, serious disorganisation, of shipping appears inevitable, not only; in Sydney, but in all ports where the, .Federation's ukase runs. The wharf-! men contend that it is unfair for shipowners to expect them to be always available and yet not average more: than 3os weekly throughout the year. They declare that many get not more than 20 hours’ work weekly, and at least 20 per cent less than fifteen hours.

Sydney, February 5

The Rugby League lias received confirmation of fthe Northern 1 njon’s refusal to send a team to Australasia on the terms offered. The Lnion objects to the condition permitting the free admission of League members to matches. A prominent Leaguer declared that the Union’s demand was the greatest extortion ever aimed at in the annals of sport. If the League conceded it, it would amount to a surrender of principle aiid independence that locally would detrimentally affect the wellbeing of the game. It is anticipated that negotiations will be broken off.

Brisbane, February 6

In connection with the Salvation Army Home fire, Jane Nightingale was charged with murdering the three victims. A constable gave evidence that when he arrested accused she said she fired the home in revenge on the matron. She declared that she would not return to the Home and would rather go to court. She described getting the kerosene and matches and setting fire to the laundry and bathrpom. She then knocked at the back door to awaken the inmates and ran away. She added that it was strange that all those who were a nuisance had died. She said: “Denzier was mad, Margol was a nuisance, and Halibum was troublesome. It doesn’t matter. I’ve had consumption for years and wont’t live long.” The case is unfinished. Melbourne, February 6.

The half-mile swimming championship of Victoria resulted: Beaurepaire 1, Powell 2, Morris 3. Won by fifty yards in 12min 36 2-osec. The 400yds race was won by Wallace in 6min 46 4-osec.

The stevedores loading deep-sea ships have commenced a strike against overtime, but the wharfmen continue overtime till Monday. The initial steps are being taken towards a compulsory conference. A great quantity qf wheat As on the wl:;*±ves*av v aitiffg It is feared that the shipimeiit of frozen meat will be stopped for a few days. The outlook is regarded as very serious.

A conference of representatives of theatrical companies and the Musicians’ Union reached an agreement for the payment of orchestras. It guarantees fifty-two weeks’ work yearly, a weekly rate of £8 10s, matinees ten shillings each, picture shows to be classified as vaudeville. The agreement comes into force in March. The Rickards theatres accepted, but the Brennan-Fuller circuit declined the agreement.