AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9920, 28 December 1897, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

United Prea* Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright Received December 27t6, 9.50 f».m. THE HOLIDAYS. Sydney, December 27. The weather is fine for the holidays. THE FEDERAL DELEGATES. Melbourne, December 27. Elaborate preparations are being tuade by Government for the entertainment of the Federal delegates. THE CONFERENCE OF * PREMIERS. The conference of Premiers has been postponed until towards the end ot February, owing to the inability of Sir John Forrest to visit Melbourne. Aa Mr Seddon is not able to be present, the decision arrived at by the Premiers in regard to the admission of Asiatics to the colouies, and other questions of general interest" to Australasia, must be referred to him, with * view to united action being taken. Received December 27th, 8 p.m. A NARROW ESCAPE. Sydney, December 27. A narrow escape from a terrible disaster occurred at Circular Quay to one of the crowded excursion boats. The Princess, with 800 on board, when leaving was cut down by a North Shore ferry steamer. Fortunately the Princess was no distance from the wharf. The ferry steamer also got alongside. Her passengers scampered over the ferry boat, and cached the wharf. The Princes 3 sank within ten minutes. HfceWeJ Deoember 28th, 12 45 a.m. SWIMMING. Sydney, December 27. The 440 yards swimming championship of the colony at Bathursb was Won by Lane, beating Percy Cavill by war yards. Time, 6min 12 l-sth seo. AN ESCAPED BALLOON. Melbourne, December 27. A large balloon, which was being twed for an ascent exhibition to-day, escaped and collapsed over Hobson's B »7- The balloon cost £1200, and, contained 40,000 ft of gas when it got | loose. Received December 27th, 9.20 p.m. ALLEGED PARUIUIDE. Melbourne, December 27. A man named Gregan has been arreeted on a charge of murdering his Jjther at Clifton Hill. It is supposed w be the result of a quarrel.