OVERNIGHT CABLES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18547, 22 August 1928, Page 4

OVERNIGHT CABLES.

(Unlted Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) | War Pensions. CANBERRA, August 21. Cabinet has decided to fix pensions of Avar widows at a flat rate of fortytwo shillings Aveelcly, irrespective of any other income, instead of the present minimum of tAventy-three shillings and sixpence weekly.—Australian Press Association. Jacob Johnson. SYDNEY. August 21. Replying in the Avitness box to the charges of intimidation preferred against him, Jacob Johnson, general secretary of the Seamen’s Union, said that nobody had declared Rigby a scab, but a special meeting of seamen adopted a resolution that the crew of the Katoora should lea A-e the ship forthwith, and “ provided they did so would be exonerated from the scabby action into which they had been de-ceri-ed ” when they took the ship to sea from Adelaide without cooks. A similar resolution was passed next day coA-ering the steamer Barwon, to Avhich Rigby belonged.—Australian Press Association. Pacific Mails. WASHINGTON, August 20. The Oceanic and Oriental Navigation Company has entered a bid with the United States Post Office tor the carrying of mails from Los Angeles to Auckland for from tAvo and a half to eight dollars per nautical mile, depending upon the speed and gross tonnage bf the ships used. No action has been taken.—Australian Press Association. Lawn Tennis. MONTREAL, August 20. A message from Newport, Rhode Island, states that, playing well, CraAVford has adA-anced to the third round in the twelfth annual im-itation tournament, by defeating Hobbs, 6-0, G-l, and Burwell, 6-4, 6-4. Moon defaulted to Dericou and Cummings defaulted to Weld, llopman arri\’ed late and will appear to-morrow for the first time. It is understood Patterson is not coming. To-morroAv Crawford meets Lott whose defeat Avould be much in Crawford’s favour. Critics say that he appears to be in excellent form.—Australian Press Association. British Migration. OTTAWA, August 20. A*t the conclusion of the immigration conference between Lord LoA*at, head of the Empire Settlement Board, and Canadian immigration leaders, an official statement Avas issued saying: “It is confidently expected that the result of the negotiations Avill be a steady increase in the flow of suitable British migrants to Canada.”—Australian Press Association—United Service. Forgers Arrested. DELHI, August 21. Forged currency notes to the \-alue of £IO,OOO were seized at Rangoon during the week-end. Apparently fearing arrest, two Indians abandoned the conveyance containing the boxes full of ten-rupee notes. The police raided a house, seized plates and machinery and arrested three Indians. Burnja, at present, is being flooded with counterfeit notes/—Australian Press Association. Not Engaged. NEW YORK, August 20. A report has been circulated in Los Angeles that Sir Hubert Wilkins is engaged to marry- Miss Susan Bennett, an Australian actress now playing in New York. This was referred to Sir Hubert, who said: “We are very good friends, but the matter of a marriage engagement has neA*er been discussed or suggested, and the rumour is untrue.” — Australian Press Association. Peace Pact. PARIS, August 20. It is announced that the Pact will be signed in alphabetical order according to the names of the powers in the French tongue. Therefore Germany, “ Allemagne,” Avill sign first. —Australian Press Association. Maritime Strike Averted. BRISBANE, August 21. The waterside workers’ strike at Cairns has ended.—Australian Press Association.

Last week it was feared that a maritime upheaval would occur on account of the action of the watersiders at Cairns and Bowen boycotting shipping. The dispute Avas due to dissatisfaction with the terms of a recent award and the employment of free labour on certain vessels. Sydney Graft Charges. SYDNEY, August 21. At the Coal Inquiry’ Alfred lAatt, chairman of directors of Byrne's, Ltd., refused to answer questions regarding sums shown in the company’s books as special commission for Macafee. Arthur Eamshaw, a member of the firm of Kirton and EarnshaAv, coal merchants, gave evidence that the firm entered into contracts with the City Council in 1921 to supply coal. He paid money to Woof in connection with two twenty-thousand-ton contracts. He also paid money through Johnston in connection with the council's contracts. Johnston had told him that he knew some of the aldermen and witness paid threepence a ton in connection with the contract. Later, Woof wanted sixpence a ton, but agreed to accept threepence if the money was paid in a lump sum of £250. Before the next contract Woof wanted sixpence, but accepted fourpence, the first £175 to be paid in a lump sum. Henry Gray, secretary of the South Clifton Colliery, said that the firm tendered in 1925 for the supply of 60,000 tons of coal. Woof offered his scrA-ices t.o super\-ise the power house tests at threepence a ton. The contract was accepted and £750 was paid to Woof. The hearing was adjourned.—Australian Press Association.