AUSTRALIAN ITEMS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14364, 15 May 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS

(United Press Association.) MELBOURNE, May 13. As Die result of an operation for appendicitis. Miss Fanny Durack the swimmer will not be available for the Olympic team.

Mr Lawson has announced that the Ministry would gran I £2OO towards the expenses of the Victorian representatives. The fund now totals £4-150.

The annual report of the Chamber of Manufacturers states that an organised effort is being made by the Trades Hall Council to smash the 48-bour week; and therefore the Chamber has decided to strenuously oppose any change In the existing conditions respecting the hours of work.

In the House of Representatives Sir J: Cook stated that the expenditure on repatriation this year would amount to £l'J,2r>o,ooo, increasing next year to £21,000,000. Fresh London moneys amounting to £30.000,000 would have to be raised and the outlook was about as serious as it could be, but the financial position was sound. In the Senate Mr Millen announced that the Government would consider whether to seek similar representation as Canada at Washington. SYDNEY, May 13.

The seamen are again threatening to strike, stating that the agreement made as the result of the last strike lias not been adhered to by the owners. The master builders have decided t:> appeal to Ui£ Government to uphold the law in connection with the strike against Saturday work. t

A ballot among the iron trades unions resulted in a majority in favour of a 44-hour week.

A satisfactory experimental flight has been made by an aeroplane using alcohol fuel. . The meeting of the Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution that in view of the wheat shortage the export of wheat be stopped until the next crop is assured. The State Cabinet has decided to- guarantee growers 7s 6d a bushel for the next wheat harvest.