AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10319, 19 December 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Aasoci»Hon.—lClectricTelegi'sph.— STRIKES AND LABOUR LEGISLATION. Melpoursk, December 18. At His Employers' Union picnic Mr, McEachftii stated that he expected very serious labour troubles shortly, which seemed now to be looming ahead. It was nob the working man who sought to increaie the differences {with tho employers, hut those who received salaries for conducting the men'* affairs, Labour troubles, however, had nob distressed the union so much of late as absurd legislation.

the WHEAT harvest. Sidney, December 1!* Thfl official returns of the estimated wheal harvest are that the yield will be 7,435,000 bushels, being an average of 9 '8 bushels per acre. The area under crop increased by 187,000 acres, compared with the previous year, The hope of a bountiful harvest was upsob by the prolonged dry weather in

Saptember and October, and although there are splendid crops in many placet the great wheat-growing areas give only moderate results. The requirements of th» colony are computed ab a million and s quarter bushels for seed, ' and 7,435,006 bushels for food. ALLEGED MURDER. Svdnev, December 18, The body found near Bourke has been identified as that of an old man named Edward Smith. Another old man named Moore has been arrested with a quantity of Smith's belongings in his possession. An Inquest was held at which a verdict of " Wilful murder" against Moore was returned. FEDERATION. Melbourne, Desember 18, The Premier has wired to the Premier of New South Wales strongly urging him to proceed with the Federal Convention elections, and not to abandon the proposal merely because Queensland has decided to stand aloof for the present. ' Adelaide, December 18. In the Assembly the Premier stated that the Government favoured Mr. Seddon'a idea of a Federal Meeting of Premiers in Mow Zealand. South Australia will be represented ab all gatherings likely to promote the Federal spirit. They were prepared to go on with Federation without Queensland if the other colonies so desired, Brisbane, December 18. In the Assembly the Promier, in reply to Mr, Drake, said the Government had no Intention of being represented ab the Federal Convention, unless it was post'

poned till aftor next session. Meanwhilo lw would take no action in the matter. Sydnky, Decomber 18. As the result of a Cabinet meeting, the Premier is conferring with the other colonies as to the issue of writs fixing the date of the elections for the Federation delegates. It is expectod that the Federal Convention will raoefc during the first week in April, probably in Sydney. COLLISION IN SYDNEY HARBOUR. Sydney, December IS. , The Manly Beach' steamer Manly collided with the steam collier Merksworth, off Bradloy's Hoad, The Merkeworth was badly injured, and had to be beached. Her stern is now lying in 40 feeb of water. She shows signs of breaking up. The ferry steamer was nob injured. AMALGAMATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES. m Melbourne, December 18. • Meetings of members of the National Mutual. Life Association of Australia and the Mutual Assurance of-. Victoria have adopted tho proposed scheme of amalgamation. , ■ v'i'i y ■-!&, i ,• .. .SERIOUS RAILWAY- ACCIDENT. . i . Brisbane, December 18. ' • The cattle 1 train i ran off the rails on the Ibeep curve upon the Esk line. A hundred, out of the one hundred and forty beasts on U board,, were killed, and much damage was done to ttuj rolling stock,