AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10597, 5 March 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

[Special to Press Association.] DISTRESSED FARMERS. SYDNEY, March 4. Owing to the low prices ruling for produce, and the failure of the wheat crop, many farmers ia the Eiverina district are in dire straits, and it has been decided to petition Government for the remission of interest now due on conditionally purchased lands. TEE MILITARY SCANDAL. The inquiry into the military scandal is progressing slowly. General Hutton will probably be examined as a witness on Wednesday, when it is expected that the inquiry will close, VICTORIAN HOPS. MELBOURNE, March 4, This season’s hop crop is expected to yield 630,0001 b weight. The estimated consumption, on the basis of 1894, is 660,0001 b. IMPROVEMENT IN VICTORIA’S POSITION. The Ago says that there appears to ba generally a more hopeful tone ia trade circulars, the impression being that the colony has now fairly turned the corner, and that improvement, though slow, may be expected in business during the currency of the present year. This hope is justified by the practical efforts being made to extend the export trade. VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. Railway freights for the carriage of live atock have been reduced 10 per cent. Railway working expenses have been reduced by £65,500 during the last seven months. TINNING RABBITS. ADELAIDE, March 4. A local firm has commenced tinning rabbits for the London market, and expects to develop a large trade. BIBLE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE. The Bible Christian Conference, after a nrotraeted debate, declared, by an overwhelming majority, its readiness for Methodist union. SIR ROBERT DUFF. HOBART, March 4. Governor Duff is steadily improving, bub it will be some time before he can be moved.