CABLE BRIEFS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7905, 14 January 1904, Page 3

CABLE BRIEFS.

The survey of the Anglo-French frontier from the Niger to Lake Tchad is nearly completed. It benefits Britain At present. France has no line of communication with Lake Tchad, except by a waterless desert. It is expected that Bru^ain will assign to France a considerable area in exchange for advantages elsewhere.

The Commonwealth Cabinet has considered Mr Seddon's request for cooperation in protesting against Chinese labour on the Band. Mr Deakin stated a reply had been forwarded, but until further communications had passed nothing would be published.

The Commonwealth Government •.astronomer considers Professor Gregory's proposition is startling. He certainly Inows no process by which he could (predict the seasons a year or so much :in advance. So far as he can see there :is no chance of science achieving such a ••uccess. He is doubtful about the rainfall in Australia being determined by the Southern Ocean, and the only thing favouring such a proposition was the track of the cyclonic system producing Australian weather which lies to the south.

The miners employed in the Northern Extended colliery, Now South Wales, ignoring the Arbitration Court award, ■which they allege has reduced the hewing rate, have refused to work, and the pit hss been idled. Sly (who cut his wife's throat, also his •own, in Sydney) was a native of New Zealand, »nd followed the occupation of •a presser, but was out of work for a considerable tirtfe. He left a letter showing "•that the tragedy was premeditated.