GENERAL NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 468, 4 November 1897, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS.

(Per Preas Association. —Copyrijht.) London, Nov. 3. Replying to inquiries made by Sir Andrew Clarke, Agent General for Victoria, the leading railway companies in Great Britain strongly advise direct departmental control over the supply of refreshments for railwaytravellers. The Times, in an article on the Australian mail line, praises Huddart, Parker and Co.'s pluck and obstinacy in starting a Pacific service in the teeth of much discouragement. It is of immense importance, the paper says, to maintain a chain of swift British communication. Australian food supplies are important to KSandyke and failure to provide sufficient adventitious aid is greatly hampering the line. The Times is confident New Zealand will speedily ratify the contract entered into by the Hon. -T. G. Ward in 189-3, and in conclusion says jt would be most unfortunate if so useful and important a line dropped for want of local support. Hobart, Nov. 3. The first and second prizes in Tattersall's £1 sweep, which only half filled, went to New Zealand. Gaulus was drawn by Mr Martin, of Lawrence, who receives £113,500, and Mr Limerick, of Kaikora North, who drew The Grafter, receives £ISOO. Melbourne, This day. At the Australian Axemen's Carnival, Mitchell, of New Zealand, won the £IOO handicap for underhand chopping. Adelaide, This clay. The League of Wheelmen have decided to disqualify Martin for twelve months for boycotting the league and breaking his engagement.