AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume LVII, Issue 10520, 14 December 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[per press

association].

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH — COPYRIGHT.)

Sydney, December 13. In the . Assembly the Treasurer carried a Bill relieving him of the payment of this year's annual instalment of L 250,000 from the consolidated revenue towards wiping out the accumulated deficit, and fixing next year's instalment at LI OO,OOO. Wadell explained that the Federal tariff charges, and the extra charge which had arisen in connection with the plague, Royal visit, and Commonwealth celebrations had rendered it impossible to meet these instalments. The Opposition strongly attacked the Government for going back with obligations and extravagance. The Treasurer tabled the loan estimates totalling L 2,997,000,, 997,000, the railway and tramway service accounting for more than half. j Melbourne, December 13. The Metropolitan Municipalities are taking concerted action in the destruction of rats by the bonus system. (Received Dec 13, at 10 50 p m). In the House of Representatives the Supply Bill for January (L 411,000) passed all its stages and the House adjourned till January 14th. The Senate passed the Post and Telegraph Rates Supply Bill and adjourned to the 22nd. ■ '•■•' Adelaide, December 13. Trouble has arisen iv connection with the breaking of the seals of the stores of the steamers Prince Regent, Luitpold, arid the Ortona. The Ortona is detained pending the decision of the Federal Customs authorities. Thacaseof the Luitpold will be dealt with on reaching Melbourne.