AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10079, 14 March 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Pr«u Association,— Telegraph. -Copyright. STATE OWNERSHIP OF MINES. Sydney, March 13, A deputation representing the Socialistic and Democratic Associations presented the Premier with the resolutions passed at) the recent meeting in favour of Government interference in connexion with the difficulty in the Newcastle coal trade and State ownership of mines. Mr. Raid said a Government monopoly under the most favourable circumstances could only control local consumption. As a subject of practical politics he would nob take the matter up, because lb would only be a waste of time, The idea was Utopian and not practicable. We might in the future geb a better state of society and Government, when auch questions mighb be seriously considered.

THE DISMISSAL OF A MINISTER. Pkrth, March 13. Mr. Venn has replied to the Premier iu a lengthy minute, which he laid before the Cabinet. He has also sent him a lett-ji protesting against receiving notification a 1 his dismissal except in the GovernorV hand. He Accuses the Premier of Bhowioj indecent haste and hostility.

THE HOSPITAL DISPUTE. Adelaide, Maich 13. The hospital difficulty is as far front settlement as ever. The medical stafl refuse to withdraw their resignations until the services of Nurse Graham, who win dismissed but afterwards reinstated by the. Government, are discontinued.

CANNIBALISM IN THE BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO. Sydney, March 13. The Archer brings details of a cannibalistic feast in the Island of Kusa, in the Bismarck Archipelago. The chief, Bolok, who had the reputation of killing and eating three whites, and committing numerous other murders, was captured by a cannibal tribe, speared and clubbed to death. His body was roasted and a big feast held.

DEATH OF TWO MISSIONARIES. Sydney, March 13, Brothers Justina and Emile, two members of the Catholic Mission in the Bismarck Archipelago, have succumbed to'fever. VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. Melbourne, March 13. The Cabinet has decided to advertise in the Australian and English papers for a general manager of railways.

POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK RETURNS. Sydney, March 13. The annual report of the Post Office Savings Bank shows that the deposits received amounted to £2,194,000, being an increase of £33,500 as compared with th« previous year, the number of depositor! increasing by 858. The withdrawals during the year decreased by over £4500. Tin balance to the credit of the depositors at the end of last year was £4,121,000, an increase of £487,000. The increases are in a large degree attributed to the bank failures.

CROPS RUINED BY THE DROUGHT.

Sydney, March 13.

The Government are receiving numerous applications for seed wheat from farmers whose crops hare been ruined by thi drought. Wherever a good case is mads out the application is granted. The Government is encouraged to afford relief owing to the fact that of the farmer) assisted in previous years of drought 75 per cent, made full repayment, and then is a good prospect that the whole will b< returned with interest.

As part of a scheme for providing watei for the dry back country, the Government has accepted tenders for the construction ol a weir in Lachlan river, which will empound 225 million gallons of water, and distribute it in creeks over a wide area a the driest district in the colony.

THREATENED STRIKE OF MINERS,

Sydney, March 12.

A strike ballot amongst the Newcastli Miners' Lodges is proceeding. The 16th inst. is the last day fixed for sending in papers. A fortnight's notice has to be given of a strike, and already a majority of the lodges, including those of several non union pits, have made the requisite demand for increased wages. The Stockton miners, following the lead of some other nonassociated lodges, have rejoined the Miners' Association. Most of the wheelers and other employees in the pits will throw in their lot with the miners. The manage, ment of the Waratah mine has already informed the miners that it is impossible to comply with the demand for an increase. A number of other large proprietaries have unofficially announced that it is not their intention to grant an increase. Both side; appear very firm, and there seems littlf chance of a compromise.

ClTl' OF MELBO URNE BANK. Melbourne, March 15.

At the City of Melbourne Bank inquiry Mr. Williamson, director, in his examination gave a peculiar account of directors, duties. He admitted an overdraft of £1)000, which the manager had requested, and obtained securities to cover. Replying to a question by the Judge as to whether he (bought it right for directors who were trustees of the depositors' money to obtain large overdrafts, he said it was quite right if safe, and it was the custom to do 50. TII3 Judge asked him, if thedircotors were helping themselves to the depositors' money, did he did think it would be a good thing to periodically publish the names and amounts of the overdraft? Tho witness said he did not think so. The Judge differed from the witness, and said ha thought such a course would have a good effect. The evidence showed that the manager had written to the witness, Btat« ing that owing to the auditor having refused to pass his accounts, because they vyere not fully covered, ib would ruin them, as Mr. Burns was tho very msn to show how virtuous he was as an auditor, ' It was therefore absolutely necessary to, get) » ( guarantee somehow.