AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9605, 21 December 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telog-raph—Copyright THE BETTING QUESTION. Sydney, December 19. Summonses were recently issued at the instance of the Government against thirty-five bookmakers for betting in the Randwick saddling paddock, with a view to settling the question as to whether cash betting on a racecourse is illegal conduct within the meaning of the Betting Suppression Act. In two cases fines of £5 were inflioted. Notice of appeal was given. THE LAND TAX. The Premier, in referring to the wheat yield, takes it as an indication that the land tax is giving a stimulus to cultivation, and he expects a much larger increase next year. It is also having a marked effect in compelling city people to put their property to use, as is shown by the large increase in building operations. SUDDEN DEATH. December 20. Colonel Stokes, aide-de-camp to the Governor, and the officer commanding the Fourth Regiment, dropped dead while cycling. The -cause of death' was heart disease. SYDNEY HABBOUB COLLIEBY. The Sydney Harbour Colliery Company has purchased a large block of land at Bahnain, and signed a contract for sinking two shafts for coal to a depth of 2960 ft. These are to be completed in two years, and it is expected that a quarter of a million pounds will be expended before coal is brought to the surface. '.-••■■■ A WOMAN SENTENCED. Melbourne. December 19. The woman Bell has been sentenced to a year's imprisonment for setting fire to the man Hannan. THE VICTOBIAN PABLIAMENT. The Government hope to end the session on Wednesday.