AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11241, 9 December 1899, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.-Copyright. NORFOLK ISLAND. Sydney, December 8. In* the Assembly, in reply to a question, Mr. Lyne stated that the claims of certain eld Norfolk Islanders to ownership of land, were not allowed, but they had been granted ii 28 years' lease,

SEAMEN'S WAGES. Sydney, December. 8. A movement is afoot, backed by the Seamen's Union, to obtain an increase of wages for firemen and seamen on coastal and intercolonial traders. EARLY CLOSING- BILL. Sydney, December 8. The Legislative Council has read a third time the Early Closing Bill. There is some doubt if the Assembly will agree to the more important questions involved. THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MINISTRY. Adelaide, December 8. Mr. Solomon has resigned, and has advised that Mr. Playford be sent for. The latter conferred with Mi - . Holder, but was informed that as be (Mr. Playford) voted with the Solomon Government, he could not be given a place in the new Ministry. Mr. Playford informed the Governor that he was unable to form an Administration and advised that Mr. Holder be summoned. When the House met Mr. Holder announced that he had undertaken to form a Ministry, FEDERATION. Pertii, December 8. In the Legislative Council a resolution was carried notifying the Assembly that it had been decided that it was inexpedient to refer both the Commonwealth and the amended Bills to the voters. TASMANIAN SURPLUS. Hobart, December 8. In the Legislative Assembly the Premier stated that he expected the revenue for the year would show a surplus of over £9700. THE WEST AUSTRALIAN MINING TROUBLE. Perth, December 8. The alluvialists have been granted bail. A SAD STORY. Sydney, December 8. Two sisters, named Evans, who were out of work, and in distressed circumstances, took chlorodyne. One is dead, and the other is in the hospital. A TERRIFIC HURRICANE. Melbourne, December 8. A terrific hurricane swept over Bairnsdale, unroofing a number of buildings and ruining the crops. The township of Linderrow also suffered great damage. KAURI TIMBER COMPANY. Melbourne, December 8. At the Kauri Timber Company's annual Weting a satisfactory report and balancesheet was submitted, and a dividend at the rate of 2i per cent, was declared. The liquid assets are £96,929, and the current liabilities £101,913. The assets increased by nearly £17,000, and the liabilities decreased by £25,000 compared with the previous year. Since August, 1898, the amount owing to the bank was reduced by £35,367.