COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3383, 25 November 1911, Page 7

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

CLOSER SETTLEMENT,

(United Press Association—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, Nov. 24

The Lands Department report that the closer settlement scheme to March 31 shows 1356 farms, embracing 647,396 acres selected, whereon 5000 persons were residing. The value of improvements and machinery was £628,000. Estates acquired by the Government to June 30 last cost £2,513,000. IN CASE OF FATAL ACCIDENT. A section of miners at Broken Hill South decided that in the event of a fatal accident the mine employees should cease work until the victim is buried. The fact that a fall of ground, unless immediately picked up, might involve a further loss of life, was disregarded.

A CAPTAIN’S FAULT. (Received Nov. 24, 9.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 24

The Court found that the stranding of the steamer Port Stephens on the sth inst. was due to the master. Capt. Stephens, leaving the bridge while in charge, when the vessel was cb.se to land. The Court deals with his certificate on Monday. A SEAMEN’S AWARD. (Received Nov. 24, 9.55 p.m.) MELBOURNE. Nov. 24.

In the Federal Arbitration Court Mt Justice Higgins delivered judgment in the case of the Federated Seamen’s Union against the Commonwealth Steamship Owners' Association. The award fixes the following rates: Boatswains and A.B.’s employed as lamp trimmers. £9 per month; A.B.’s, £S; ordinary seamen over IS, £6; under IS, £5; donkeymen, £11; greasers, £10: trimmers £7; deck-hands are granted eight hours, but this does not operate till July. Preference to Unionists was refused, but without prejudice to any future application. A .number of concessions was granted in regard to holidays and overtime. The award takes effect at the end of the present year, and remains in operation for fivo years. The approximate increase in wages granted under the award is £39.000 per annum.

THE CORINTHIC. HOBART, Nov. 24. The Corinthic has arrived from London, and sails for Wellington at 4 a.m. on Sunday. One hundred and thirtyseven passengers landed, and 554 are proceeding. THE TAHITI ARRIVES. (Received Nov. 24, 11.45 p.m.) SYDNEY. Nov. 24. Arrived: Tahiti, from Glasgow, the Union Oo.’s latest acquisition. The Tahiti is a. fine class of vessel, fitted with all the latest conveniences.