AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 295, 19 June 1907, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

: ♦ [BY ELECTBIC TELEGRAPH — OOFYBIGHI.j [PEE TIIESB ASSOCIATION.] THE RETURNING PREMIER. Melbourne, June 18. Prior to their departure for Sydney to-day the Wards were entertained at a, gathering of New Zealanders. Sydney, June 18. The Wards will reach Sydney on Thursday. During their stay they will be entertained at luncheon by the State Ministry, and presented with an address at a gathering of New Zealanders. RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Sydney, June 18. As the North Western mail train was leaving Werris Creek the engine and two second-class carriages ran into siding owing to a shunter's oversight in not locking the points. The remainder of the train, consisting of a first-class carriage and a sleeping car, continuing on the line were derailed. There were fifty passengers in the derailed cars. One, Cochrane, had his shoulder dislocated, and a dozen others sustained bruises and shock. The engine was smashed and considerable damage was done to the rolling stock. CRICKET. The question of guaranteeing the English cricket team threatens to lead to further complications. The Trustees of the Cricket Ground have decided to charge 20 per cent, of the gross proceeds of matches as rent of the ground, and this is considered excessive by the Cricket Association. Mr McElhone, secretary of the Board of Control and a prominent member of the Association, estimates that this and other charges will leave the Association only 17 per cent, net profit on the takings, and under these circumstances it remained for "the Association when it further considers the matter to decide if it will ; be wise to take any financial responsibility. ACQUITTED. j At the Quarter Sessions, Wilson? manager of the Clifton Colliery, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the tunnel collapse on April 30th. After hearing the cvi- , dence the Judge recorded acquittal by discharging the jury. CRIME IN MELBOURNE. Melbourne, June 18. ] The prevalence of crime in the city has led to the withdrawal of all police leave during the present financial year. j