AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9442, 23 February 1894, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.lfilecfcric Telegraph.Copyright, THE FROZEiST MEAT TRADE. Melbourne, February 22. Mr. Fraser, a member of the Victorian Parliament, who has returned from a visit ,to New Zealand, interviewed on the subject of the frozen meat trade, said he thought the prices paid to growers of sheep in that colony were too high. In this would lie Victoria's opportunity, as she could produce meat cheaper than any other colony. He admitted that New Zealand sheep were at prosent superior, but Victoria would soon breed the right class, and New Zealand competition would be as nothing when they considered the price at which Victoria would be able to produce. A trip through New Zealand just now was a liberal education to a Victorian. THE FIRES ON STEAMERS. Brisbane, February 22. The Government has offered a reward of £1000, supplemented by £250 from the British India Company, for information leading to the conviction of the supposed incendiaries upon the company's steamers. COLOURED LABOUR ON MAIL BOATS. Brisbane, February 22. A deputation of the members of the General Assembly, interviewed the Acting Postmaster-General, and requested the insertion of a condition in the new mail contracts, prohibiting the employment of coloured labour on steamers. The Minister replied that there was very little hope ol adopting this course, unless the other colonies and the Imperial Government were willing to support it. He would lay the matter before the Cabinet. LABOUR CONFERENCES. Sydney, February 22. The General Labour Conference has decided to follow the example of th« Shearers' Conference, in refusing to receive or produce references. Brisbane, February 22. The Labour Federation Congress has closed its sittings. A scheme was adopted for the establishment of communal settlements in Australia, and it was decided to carry it into practical effect as soon as possible. It was also resolved to approach the Employers' Union, with the view of forming a joint Conciliation Board. NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. Sydney, February 22. After an exciting debate, which was carried into the small hours of the mora, ing, Sir Geo. Dibbs' motion to the effect that Mr. Hindle'a statement, denouncing Parliament for containing drunken blackguards, was a gross libel on the House, was carried by 61 to 20. The House then proceeded to discuss a farther motion by Sir Geo. Dibbs, to reprimand Mr. Hindle for his utterance, bub the Speaker ruled that the motion was out of order, as notice must be given. Consequently, the Premier decided to drop the matter. VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. Melbourne, February 22. The Cabinet has appointed the following flew Board of Railway Commissioners :— Mr. Syder, chief traffic manager, who will act as chairman; Mr. Woodroffe, chief of the mechanical branch ; and Mr. Lockhead, chief of the goods department. BEET SUGAR BONUS. Melbourne, February 22. The Cabinet has decided to grant a bonus of £2 per ton for the first 500 tons of beet sugar produced in the colony. OUTRAGE AND MURDER. Brisbane, February 22. A middle-aged lady, named Miss Lyons, was outraged and murdered near Goongi. The crime is supposed to be the work of some Javanese. - . WEATHER FORECAST. Brisbane, February 22. Mr. Wragge predicts heavy weather between Hobart and southern New Zealand.