AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9365, 14 March 1896, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrisrht. A CANNIBALISTIC FEAST. Sydney, March 18. The Archer brings the details of a cannibalistic feast on the Island of Nusa in the Bismarck Archipelago. The chief Balakwho had the reputation of killing and eating three whites, and committing numerous other murders, ■was captured by a cannibal tribe, speared, and clubbed to death. His body was roasted, and a big feast was held. DEATHS OF MISSIONARIES. Bros. Jusfcina and Eniile, two members of the Catholic Mission in the group, have succumbed to fever. POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK. The annual repori of the Post Office Savings Bank shows that the deposits received amounted to -2,194,000, an increase of £33,500, as compared with the previous year, the number of depositors increasing by 858. The withdrawals during the year decreased by over £45,000. The balance to the credit of the depositors at the end of last year was £4,121,000, an increase of £487,000. The increases are in a large degree attributed to the Bank failures. GRANTS OF SEED WHEAT. The Government is receiving numerous applications for seed wheat from farmers whose crops have been ruined by the drought. Wherever a good case is made out the application is granted. The Government is encouraged to afford relief owing to the fact that of the farmers assisted in previous years of drought 75 per cent. made full repayment, and there is a good prospect that the whole will be' returned with interest. WATER FOR DRY COUNTRY. As part of a scheme for providing water for the dry back-country, the j Government has accepted a tender for j the construction of a weir in the Lachlan river, which will impound , 225,000,000 gallons of water, and distributi it in creeks over a wide area of! the driest district in the colony. j THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. I Melbourne, March 13. The Cabinet has decided to advertise in the Avistralian and English papers for a general manager for the railways. THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL DIFFICULTY. Adelaide, March 13. The Hospital difficulty is as far from settlement as ever. The medical staff refuse to withdraw their resignations until the services of Nurse Graham, who was dismissed, but afterwards reinstated by the Government, are discontinued. THE WEST AUSTRALIANCABINET. Perth, March 18. Mr Venn has replied to the Premier n a lengthy minute, which he laid Defore the Cabinet, and also sent him i letter protesting against receiving lis notification of dismissal except in ;he Governor's hand. He accuses the Premier of showing indecent haste and hostility.