AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9076, 9 June 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[PKESS ASSOCIATION.]

THE FBEETRADE CONFERENCE.

Sydney, June.B. The * Freetrade Conference, since the opening, have been debating a resolution, "That it is desirable that there should be Freetrade amongst the Australasian colonies, based upon a Customs Union, with a uniform tarift." A motion was carried tha,t "It is desirable to attempt to establish, immediately or in the future, the principle of reciprocity, by treaties, in such articles as may be agreed upon by the Governments of the reciprocity colonies." The Conference agrees to support the Australian Federated Union, whose headquarters are situated in Melbourne.

THE RABBIT PEST. Sydney, June 8. A large laboratory has just been completed on Rodd Island for the use of the Rabbit Commissioners. NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. Sydney, June 8. The Government have shelved the Local Government Bill. The Premier has announced that the Government propose to obtain the con sent of Parliamentto construct a railway line from the Hunter River to the Tweed River, at a cost of £6,080,000. The railway extension proposed by the Government consists ot 1800 miles, at a cost, including the Tweed line, of £11,000,000. He also stated that a Land Tax Bill would be proposed, and that the military force would be increased to 9400 men. The Colonial Treasurer has introdued a motion imposing a property tax of a £d in the £. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT. Adelaide, June 8. Parliament has been adjourned foi the Chinese Conference. SHIPPING. ■ Melbourne, June 3. Arrived : the s.s. Rotomahana. Sydney, June 8. Sailed: The Pukaki, from Newcastle for New Zealand, with eight Chinamen.