AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, 3 July 1914, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

♦ LIFE AND DEATH. BY ELECTRIC TELEOKAI'H COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received July 3, 9.20 a.m. SYDXKY, .Inlv 2. The Commonwealth 'Year Book' for 19.14 slums that the birth-rate in 1913 was 2'8.G5 and the death-rale 11.2, which was only beaten by New Zealand (8.9). The rate of natural increase was 16.42. UNIONISTS IN AUSTRALIA. Received Julv 3, 9.20 a.m. SYDNEY, .July 3. The Commonwealth 'Year Book'' for 1914 shows that there are 423,224 unionists in Australia. / BUILDING IN MELBOURNE. Received July 3, 9.10 a.m. MELBOURNE, July 3. There were 7896 buildings erected in the metropolitan area last year, which is a record since the building boom burst. raln in new south wales. SYDNEY, July 2, Another, dav of foaknip; rain lias occurred and there are no signs of clearing.. The New Zealand bowlers' match against Parramatta was abandoned. TASMANIAN FINANCE. Received July 3. 10.3.5 a.m. ■ HOI!ART, July 3. Tile revenue amounts to ail increase of £33,010. The railway receipts amount to £26,679, an increase of £540. HOLLAND AND RELEASE. Received Julv 3. 10.35 a.m. SYDNEY, July 3. Hon. W. A. Holman (Premier) has advised the Labor Council that lie is prepared to attach his signature to any petition which is organised l for the release of Holland. X. THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS. Received Julv 3, 10.3-5 a.m. SYDNEY, July 3. Rt. Hon. J. Coook (Prime Minister) rectifies the date of the issue of the writs for the Eederal election to .Tulv 30. WEST AUSTRALIAN TRAGEDY. Received July 3, 10.35 -a.m. ' PERTH, July 3. A verdict of ""Wilful murder" was returned' against Frederick Smith. Fred. Smith has been arrested on a charge of the murder of his soli at Tennessee''stated a previous Pertlr cable). Accused state? that they were discussing arrangements for the control of their respective properties, when his son lpst his temper and threatened ■him. He seized a. gun and 1 pointed it at the latter, who rushed "him. He fired, intending to aim at the hoy's legs, but the charge entered Jiis body and he rolled over dead. Accused added that he was only prevented i'roun shooting himself by the thought that native dogs would got both bodies. NOT ALLOWED TO LAND. SYDNEY, July 2. Charles J. Oowpcr, a passenger by the Dlima roa Irom New Zealand, described as a half-caste Indian, has not been allowed to land. The official reason given is that Cmvper is a colored person and therefore under the Aliens Restriction Act. is not permitted to come ashore. Owner intended to join the- Orient steamer en route for India and he will ho allowed to join any outward steamer so long as lie does not iand. SMALLPOX IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, July 2. One case of smallpox was reported to-day.