AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9735, 25 May 1897, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Prew Association—By Telegraph- Copyright.

A FAMOUS SWIMMER DBOWNED.

Sydney, May 24. A private cablegram from San Francisco has been received, announcing the drowning of Charlie Cavill, the famous long-distance swimmer, brother to the Australian champion. ; He left Sydney two months ago to proceed to England via America, with the intention of challenging Nuttall, the world's long-distance champion. While at San Francisco he proposed to do a twenty-eight miles swim along the coast. It is presumed that he was drowned while attempting the feat. THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY. The weather was fine in all the colonies for the holiday. The public 1 generally observed the holiday, but in view of the approaching Jubilee reviews, levees and other official celebrations were either not held or on a very much curtailed scale. THE DBOUGHT. Melbourne, May 24. The Bailway Commissioners have reduced the rates for fodder to the drought stricken districts 20 per cent. Many parts of the* colony are in an exceedingly bad state through the drought and stock are dying in large numbers. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS. Adelaide, May 24. For the triennial election of half the members of the Legislative Council the returns are incomplete, but are so far most satisfactory to the Labour party. Present indications show that the Government will be in a majority in the Council. "Women voted for the first time.