AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 18, 23 January 1901, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Sydney, ycjterday. The Daily Telegraph, commenting on the deputation about the New Hebrides, says if what was said is true an effort should be made in the cause of humanity to put a stop to the cruel practices. Federal Ministers may be expected in the colonies to assume the functions of Wardens of the Pacific, and in that way, sooner or Inter, will develop into the definitely responsible head of a more or less formal federation of the South Pacific Islands with Australia.

Referring to Mr Section's communication regarding Fiji, the Telegraph condemns Sir George O’Brien’s attitude, and sayslt is unpleasant to find the Governor of a Crown colony interfering with local polities, and much worse when his interference takes the form of open depreciation of responsible government. From our point of view it would be undesirable for Fiji to federate with New Zealand, but that is none of the Governor’s business. He must not meddle in politics.”

A cyclonic storm, with terrific rain, passed over the city last night. Two and a half inches of rain fell within half an hour.

Last night’s storm did £IOOO damage, flooding shops and cellars with water Sft deep. King street was inundated, and many of the business places flooded. A rubbish box was carried by the force of the water through a large plate-glass window. A fire destroyed a number of business places at Grafton. Moorehead and Co. were insured in the New Zealand Office for £4BOO. Harman’s shop and stock were covered for £BSO in ths National. Melbourne, Jan. 22. Mr Reid is continuing the revenue tariff campaign through the States, ' opening in Victoria with a large meeting at Richmond.