AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10126, 8 May 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.- Electric Telegraph-Copyright,

CONFESSION OF MURDER.

Sydnky, May 7. Some time ago a passenger on the voyaga from New Zealand lost his portmanteau, and a man named Hareford, arrested for vagrancy, was found wearing an articla bearing the passenger's name. This led ta the recovery of the goods. The same prisoner was accused of a similar charge at Newcastle, and was sent there for identification. On the return journey he attempted to escape from a train, after murderously assaulting a warder with a decanter. Hareford, who is confined in Darliughursb, has confessed that he murdered an unknown man while working in a bush in the Wairarapa district by shooting him. The murder took place five years ago, and it is believed another man is serving sentenco for it. From inquiries instituted by the police they think Hareford's confession authentic.

Wellington, Thursday. The police have investigated the confession reported in the Sydney cables today, and declare there is no foundation for thj report that a murder was committed.

THE WENDOUREE INQUIRY. Melbourne, May 7. At the marine inquiry, Mr. Campbell, o{ Adelaide, gave evidence to the effect thati no part of the steamer Wundouree was in such a condition as would warrant him in declaring that she was worthy. What were eaid to be cracks in tho boiler wore merely laminations. NEWCASTLE COAL STRIKE. 'Sydney, May 7. The Delegates' Board resolved to submit ttf the Union the question whether the whol? strike dispute be referred to arbitration. The Board refused the offer of Mr. Brown, owner of the New Lambton colliory, to leave the miners at work, but will refe* the matter to the District Lodge. THE QUEENSLAND MINISTRY.

Brisbane, May 7. , Portfolios havo been re-arranged. The Hon. J. F. G. Foxton becomes Minister for Lands; the Hon. A. J. Thynne, Minister for Agriculture and Postmaster-Genera!} tho Hon. R. Philip, Minister for Railways and Mines; tho Hon. I). H. Dalrymple, Minister for Public Works and Education. The Hon. A. Barlow, who resigned tha portfolio of Minister for Lands, remains a member of the Executive.

LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES. Sydney, May 7. The Postmaster-General proposes to connect by telephone Newcastle, Goulbnrn, and Bathurst with Sydney, at a cost o! £20,000, the service to be available to thp public on the Dureau system.

LADY PARKES AND FAMILY. Sydney, May 7. The Government have decided to raak< provision for Lady Parkes and the younge! children until permanent proposals for their welfare are submitted to Parliament. ACTION FOR LIBEL. Melbourne, May 7.

Mirams obtained a verdict for £ 5 in thj "* suit against the Argus. The question of costs was not decided.