AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 108, 31 August 1896, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GENERAL ITEMS

Svuxey August 30.

The Minister of Agriculture Las high opinion of the value of mocbl farm -, and fnnounees that ihs (ioverameni will establish them in suitable localities whenever necessity arises. It* is expected that from the use of ira- > proved varieties "Cf seed and better cultivation, as demonstrated at the Wagga farm, it will be proved that in wheat culture alone it will be possible to augment the colony's porduction by at least £150,000 annually. '. Another very extensive fall has taken place in the Wickham, Bullock Island colliery accompanied by a loud rumbling noise. A large area of the main street in Wickham has considerably subsided. The tramway and many houses were badly damaged, and owing to the dangerous nature of the latter several have been vacated. No one is working in the pit. Melbourne, August "29. Nominations closed to-day for 11 seats in the Legislative Council which had expired by effluxion of time. Thirteen of the retiring councillors were re-elected unopposed. August 31. Heavy rain has fallen throughout the country. Thanksgiving services were held in the churches yesterday. The Yarra is running bank high, and much damage has been done in the low-lying suburbs. Adl-.iaiih:, August 31. A lad named Saddler, aged 15, suicided rather than undergo a punishment for a schoolboy offence. Perth, August 81. The Budget shows the estimated revenue last the actual receipts were £1,858,000. The estimated expenditure was £1,572.500, and the amount spent £1,823,000. The Treasurer began the year with a credit balance of £277,000, and ended with £312,000 credit. The imports during the year showed an increase of £1,600,000 and the exports £84,000.