CABLE NEWS. AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7830, 24 June 1909, Page 3

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

Per Press Association—Copyright.

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE, June 23. The members of the State Cabinet Welcomed Sir Joseph Ward, who was entertained at luncheon at Parliament Buildings. In addition' to the State Ministers there were present Messrs Deakin, Cook and Sir John Forrest. The latter proposed the guest's health m the absence of Mr Deakin, who left to attend the opening of the Federal Parliament. Sir John Forrest said that Sir Joseph Ward was recoguised as a very strong man throughout Australia, and England. He had accomplished a great work during his strenuous public career. Australia was proud of his latest act m offering from New Zealand a Dreadnought. He regarded the coming conference as the greatest j m history since the days of Napoleon and wished him a successful mission. He was sure Sir Joseph Ward would take a leading and distinguished part. Sir Joseph Ward, m replying, said he was proud to represent loyal New Zealand. He regarded the Conference as a momentous one m the Empire's history. He would gladly co-operate with Australia's representative m promoting the Empire's interests. A party of Ministers gave Sir Joseph Ward an enthusiastic send-off.

STRANDED VESSELS.

BRISBANE, June 23. The Mallina has been refloated, and is coming to Bribane. The Yon Spilbergen was floated after jettisoning 400 tons of coal. The vessel is proceeding south.

FEDERAL POLITICS.

MELBOURNE, June 23. The Federal Parliament resumed today. Mr Deakin announced that measures would be introduced to provide for an interstate commission, for a High Commissionership m London, compensation to seamen, prohibition,' inequitable rebates by trusts and combines, and universal military training. In connection with the development of a citizen soldiery, the advice of one of the best commanders of the British Army would he sought. Mr Fisher gave notice of a direct censure motion for to-morrow.

THE CAPITAL SITE.

Received June 24, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, June 24. The report on the Federal capital site prepared by the Advisory Board has been laid on the table of Parliament. The whole of the proposed area covers 638,487 acres, and is described as suitable for building purposes, with a water supply both good and plentiful. The Board considers that a practical railway route can be found between the capital suggested and Jervis Bay. The Government will introduce a Bill at an early date to fix; the exact site of the capital.

TARIFF' ANOMALIES.

Received June 24, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, June 24. In the House of Representatives Sir William Lyne gave notice of motion m favour of a Bill to remove Customs tariff anomalies.

MR FISHER'S MOTION.

The Government anticipates that it will have a majority of about ten on Mr Fisher's motion.

COAL AND CONFECTIONARY COMBINES.

Received June 24, 10.35 a.m.

MELBOURNE, June 24. The Federal Government lias decided to take action regading the alleged coal and confectionary combines.

SOUTH AFRICAN UNION.

Mr Deakin has cabled the Commonwealth's congratulations to the South African National Convention, on its decision m favour of Union.

A THREATENED STRIKE

SYDNEY, June 24. Trouble has arisen between the City and Suburban. Gas Companies and their employees over certain claims made by the latter and a general strike at the gae works is threatened.