AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10036, 24 January 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association. - Klectrtc Telegrapli.—Copyrijsht. COMMERCIAL BAKK OF AUSTRALIA.

Melbourne, January 23. The balance-sheet for tho half-year of the Commercial Bank of Australia shows a net) profit of £1080, utter paying extended depositors 4J por cent., and preference shareholders nil. The extended deposits amount to £5,773,000. The bank owes creditors other than extended deposit holders £2,015,000, while its liquid resources amount to £5,087,000. The half-year has shown an increasing inability to realise securities, but the businoss of the new bank shows an improvement in all linos excepting advances. The re-establishment of confidence is shown by an increase of deposits. Tho Argus, commenting on tho report, states that the truth should not be evaded, as the bank will have to readjust terms with the holders of extended deposits, both as regards the rate of interest and the dates of the repayment of the principal. It considers that a revision should be attempted at an early date. THE HEAT WAVE. Sydney, January 23. In view of tho alarming mortality from heat the Board of Health wired instructions to all towns where the thermometer was 100 and over how to treat cases and prevent suustroke. To-day's country records are : Nymagee 121, Wilcannia 120*5, Brewarrina 119, Broken Hill and Bourke 115, Wagga 110*5. Ten deaths were recorded in the Mount Brown district, iive at Brewarrina, three at Broken Hill. Many isolated cases are recorded, especially in tho caso ol children. Melbourne, January 23. This was the hottest day in the city for years, 108 in the shade, and at the observatory 112 being registered. To-day in the city tltere was a blinding dust storm, but in the evening it was followed by rain, which cooled the atmosphere. Brisbane, January 23. Many deaths have occurred abThargomin. dab from intense heat. Adelaide, January 23. Great heat prevails in the north, where several deaths have occurred. A NEW ZEALAND LAW CASE. Sydney, January 23.

In Chambers Bessie McFadgean, o) Wellington, obtained an order against lier husband on the memorial of a judgment granted by the New Zealand Supreme Court directing him to pay £78 annually in a suit for judicial separation. McFadg?an was formerly a station manager at Kaikoura, CITY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY. Sydney, January 23. At the annual meeting of the City Mutual Fire Insurance Company the balance-sheot) showed the net profits to be £4228. A dividend bonus of ten per cent, waa declared. The chairman said he deprecated the risky business being done by the larger companies, and said his company was following a most conservative policy, and the greatest care was shown. The company was refusing all doubtful risks, and reducing or cancelling others, which resulted in the losses for the year being reduced to less than 17 per oent. Premiums, he said, had been considerably increased, but owing to extreme caution exorcised the income bad only slightly decreased, The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY, Melbourne, January 23.

At a meeting of the Royal Humane Socioty, the Queen's bronze medallion for proficiency in swimming exercises wai awarded to Jas. McLeary, and certificate! for proficiency in the theoretical know, ledge of the art of lifo saving from drowning to George Evans and Mars Johnston, 'pupils of tho Public Sohool of Lake Tak&puna. The Society's bronze medal was awarded to Duncan MacArtlmr and Antonia Bobbisch, of Tiraaru, for rescuing Climo Macfarlane at Wungamii. GEORGE WEBSTER AND CO. Melbourne, January 23. The old-established firm of George Webita and Co., one of the leading soft goods houses, has found it necessary to convene a meeting of creditors in London to-morrow. Th« immediate cause was failure to obtain tho usual banking facilities granted in the past. The result was due more to want of confidence in Australian affairs generally than anything else, as the firm had borne an unsullied reputation. The principal creditor is the British Linen Bank. There are no local liabilities. THE DETENTION OF A CHIN GIRL. ;:,;,'"';;, Adelaide, Jauiiary I>3. The Government intend to take action against Way Lee. for the forcible detention of a Chinese girl. " >a /: ' . !* SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP.' Sydney, January 33.! J. Helilhgs Won the 100 yards swimming championship' ■ of ; Australasia;' in lm. •{ 6 , 4-sth In the Ladies' Bracelet, Strathen ' j and Fox won tholr boats, but were nob I placedin the final. Z\^'; '■[■'