AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9723, 10 May 1897, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. HEAVY GALES. Sydney, May 8. Heavy gales and a rough sea are reported on the coast. EFFECTS OF THE DROUGHT. In consequence of the drought in the inland districts, sheep are being rushed in large numbers to the boilingdown works. The Railway Commissioners have made a heavy reduction in the carriage rate to assist the graziers. THE FEDERATION CONVENTION BILL. ; Melbourne, May 8. The Acting-Premier has appointed the Government statistician and the leading officers in the Treasury, Customsj Income Tax and Postal Departments a Committee to investigate and report on the financial proposals in the Federal, Convention Bill. The Railway Commissioners will also supply a report dealing with the railway question. AMALGAMATION. The Court sanctioned the amalgamation of the National Mutual Life and Assurance Associations of Victoria. MEAT FOR ENGLISH POOR. The Victorian graziers have already promised 4000 sheep and 120 bullocks for the dinner to the English"poor. TASMANIAN PARLIAMENT. " Hobart, May 8. Parliament meets on July 22nd to deal with the Convention Bill. . THE WEATHER. The weather is intensely cold, and heavy snow is falling. -WEST AUSTRALIAN ELEO- -_ 2.T1PN3..'., ..... '"' : I ' Perth, May 8. The.latest election returns showMinisterialists &7, Opposition 26, Independent G. NEW. GUINEA. Cooktown. May 8. Reports from New Guinea state that the rainy season is over, and the health of the miners is improving. The Governor discovered the remains of three whites in the interior who bad evidently been killed and eaten by the natives.