FEDERAL AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16861, 11 October 1922, Page 7

FEDERAL AFFAIRS.

COAL MINES TO RE-OPEN. By Telegraph—Pre" l ' Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 11, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 11. The Coal Tribunal ordered the whole of the South Coast mines to be reopened immediately, and the miners to resume in pre-stoppage conditions. THE TRADE TARIFF, by Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 11, 11.16 a.m-) MiflfjßOt RNE, October 11. In tho House of Representatives, tlio Minister of Customs explained that New Zealand reciprocity negotiations could be. concluded immediately if Australia was prepared to make concessions * hicli he considered were too great. Ho would probably ask Parliament to make some concessions and to pass necessary legislation. PROFITEERING PENALTIES. By TeJoj-rapb—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 11. 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 11. The Government is introducing legislation this week to take the place of the Profiteer!’ g Act. The new Act is designed to protect people against the activities of combines, trusts and monopolies. The penalties for offences amount to .£{>oo, while the continuance of the offence is punishable bv jthe in ffiction of a further £SOO for each day’s continuance. THIRTY YEARS A MEMBER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 11, 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 11. The death is announced of Mr Rich ard Sleath, a member of the Legislative Assembly since 1892. FREIGHTS TOO HIGH. B.r Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 11, 11.30 a.m.> SYDNEY. October 11. A representative deputation waited an the Overseas Shipping Representatives’ Association, and asked for a re duetion in freights on pastoral produce between Australia and the United Kingdom. The deputation pointed to the fact that freights between New Zealand and Britain were cheaper than from An* i ralia Mr J B. Milne, spokesman for th - Shipping Association, explained that a reduction rested with the owners of ships and not with the association. TKe difference between the New Zealand snd Australian rates was influenced bv the fact that the New Zealand coast line was shorter, and loading could ho accomplished in less time. New Zealand steamers shipped for United Kingdom ports, while Australian steamers called at Continental ports. All kinds of pro duco were handled at New Zealand ports, but New Zealand wool was of less value, wages were lower and port dues were lower.-