AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10082, 18 March 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.—Electric Telegraph.-Copyright.

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET.

Sydney, March 17. Replying to the New Zealand Cricket Council with regard to the terras to be offered for the visit of a New Zealand cricket team to Now South Wales next

season, the New South Wales Association say they will do all in their power to make the visit a success, but point out that the interest in the matches would bo small, and' the gate rnonoy only nominal.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM.

Melbourne, March 17. The Australian team only consists of fourteen men, bub the services of Albert Trott are likely to bo secured w'non needed. The East Melbourne club is anxious to givo Harry a chance of performing on English wickets, and are raising funds to send him homo. Should he go, his services will also be at the disposal of the team.

Adelaide, March 17.

The Executive Committee of the crickeb team has finally decided not to take anyone in Turner's place, but to use A. Trott's services if necessary.

AN ALLEGED UNSE A WORTHY VESSEL.

Melbourne, March 17.

The Board appointed to enquire into the charges of neglect of duty preferred by Mr. Sangster in the Assembly against) th« members of the Marine Board has begun its sittings. Paton, boiler-maker, deposed he was employed repairing the steamer Wendouree in January. The deck plates and other portions of the ironwork were so rusted that they crumbled in his hands. He considered the ship unseaworthy, and described her as a floating collin. A number of others who assisted in repairing hei stated the plates and ironwork in different parts, including the holds, had almost rusted through. When patching them uf large portions crumbled, yot tho vessel wai passed and allowed to proceed to sea,

THREE MEN DROWNED. Perth, March 17. Captain Jansen, first mate Hogen, and Seaman Wags belonging to the barque Bertha have been drowned at Fre' mantle by the capsizing of a boat.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. Sydney, March 17. In the course of an optimistic speech on the colony's prospects, Premier Reid said, ha thought the Upper House reform would not be accomplished next session, but next election, when probably the question would be fought) to a finish. The Government proposed to introduce a Bill next session to establish the referendum to settle disputes, bat the sooner the colonies withoub waiting for federation, let tho world know they were going to have i white Australia tho better, Without subterfuge or deception they must enact by statute that they would not have as an element any further coloured races of the world. The Government intended to ■ tako up national irrigation and a vigorous policy of light railways. A Factories Act to protect children, and a large instalment of iaw reform, with cheaper lines and a simplification of process, were wanted.

STRIKE OF ENGINEERS. Adelaide, March 17. The engineers at Martin's foundry have again struck. It is alleged that the employers failed to fulfil their promises to remedy the grievances of the men on the strength of which they resumed work.

THE TAX ON COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS. Melbourne, March 17. The Council of the Chamber of Com' merce, after a lengthy discussion, unanimously passed tho following resolution " That the attention of the Council having been called to the recent tax on traveller! imposed by the Government of New Zealand records its regret that any Colonial Government should deem it advisable to levy a class tax of such an exceptional and unfriendly character as the one in question, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Chambers of Commerce in the other colonies."