AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 17, 22 January 1901, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, yesterday.. Mr Barton’s reference to a Wliito Australia has caused concern in Queensland. Mr Barton has explained that he had no intention no stop the Kanaka traffic'immediately, though he would be glad to. do so if it could be done with justice. He considered it his duty to abolish the traffic within a few years. A letter has been received from Mr H. Forlong, of New Zealand, who is laboring as a missionary at Malekula. He states that the French claim the whole of South Malekula and the small islands on the coast, including the island where he (Mr Forlong) is settled. Two agents of a French trading company have ordered Mr Forlong to leave. Ho declined. Later on, during his absence, the agents returned with twelvo armed natives, broke open his hut, and removed much of Forlong’s effects. They left a warning that if he had not cleared out before January Bth they would come back and kick up a row. Forlong’s letter records the death from fever of Mrs McKenzie, formerly of Dunedin, and stationed with her husband at Malekula. Melbourne, Jan. 21. A man named Holland murdered an infant named Geach at North Melbourne. Mrs Geach is living apart from her husband, and Holland was formerly employed to watch her manner of living, but became enamoured of her. Xn his pocket was found a document stating that the act committed would benefit Mrs Geach to tho extent of thero being one loss to provide for out of the pittance allowed her by her husband. A block of business places has been destroyed at Geelong. Tho damage is £16,000. Mr Reid has returned from Tasmania. lie characterised Mr Barton’s 1 fiscal policy as milk and water, and full of strong platitudes. Mr Isaacs ha 3 decided for Federal honors. Mr Peacock will thorofore become State Premier,