AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 8990, 1 January 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Aasootatton—By Telegraph—Copyrlgh. THE NEW INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT. Sydney, December 31. A Board of Advice, comprising six members representing the chief industries of the colouy, will probably be appointed to assist the Minister of the new Industrial Department. NEW SOUTH WALES FINANCES. Including loan moneys there is close upon two millions of cash in tbe Bauks to the credit of the Government. The Colonial Treasurer states thab the financial position of the colony is so much stronger that it is doubtful whether the Government need raise a loan at all. NEW SOUTH WALES COMMERCE. The imports into the colony during the year just ended were valued at £13,840,000, and the exports at £13,390,000. As compared with the previous year tbe imports show a decrease in value of £815,000, and the exports a decrease of £599,000. A SHIPMENT OF APRICOTS. A small trial shipment of apricobs is being senb by the National Horticultural Society to London, where good prices can be obtained. RECORD OF WRECKS. During tho year jusb ended there were eighteen wrecks on the New South Wales coasb, of six steamers and twelve sailing vessel.. The total value of the vessels was £57,000, while ten lives were lost. BANKRUPTCIES. The total number of bankruptcies in the colony daring the year was 1465, representing liabilities amounting to £185,200 and assets £995,000 (sic). THE CARLTON QUARREL. Melbourne, December 31. Mason, who was in oustody on a oharge of oausing the death of his brother ab Carlton on Christmas Eye, was discharged by the Coroner's jury. CHEMICAL WORKS DESTROYED. The chemical works of Feltou, Grimwade and Co., situated ab Port Melbourne, were destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated ab £13.000, and tbe insurances amount to £9000. Tbe Fire Brigade were exposed to much danger owing to the explosive nature of the contents of tbe burning building. The fumes arising from the burning mass of six hundred tons of sulphur were overpowering.