AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10320, 21 December 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press AißocUticm.-Eleckrie Telegraph.-Copyright. NEW SOUTH WALES LAND TAX. Sydney, December 19. The Premier, referring' to tlvj wheat yield, takes ib as an indication that the Land Tax is giving a stimulus to cultivation. He expects a much larger increase next year; 80 that the tax will have a marked effeob in compelling city people to'pub their property to use, as shown by the large increase in building operations. THE AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN. Melbourne, December 19. , Following upon the formal disbanding of I the Australian Eleven, Mr. Cresswell, instructed by the Chairman of the Cricket Council, has written to Mr. Musgrove, re- ' questing him to produce the accounb books in connection with the tour for the in. spection of the Council. VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. Melbourne, December 19. The Government hope to end the session on Wednesday. SUPPRESSION OP BETTING. Sydney, December 19. Summonses were recently issued at the instance of the Government against thirtyfive bookmakers for betting in Rand wick saddling paddock, with a view to settle the question whether cash betting on the racecourse is illegal conduct within the meaning of the Betting Suppression Act. In two cases fines of five pounds wero inflicted. Notice of appeal was given. CONFERENCE OF PREMIERS. Melbourne, December 19. The Premier, replying to Mr. Seddon, suggests the holding of the conference of Premiers in January, at Hobart, where they will have to be present for the Federal Council. Sir E. C. N. Braddon, of Tasmania, has written to'the same effect. Wellington, Saturday. The Premier has received favourable replies to his proposal for a conference oi Premiers on reciprocity and trade relations with the Mother Country from all the colonies except New South Wales, which has nob replied yet. It is suggested that the meeting should take place ab Hobart after the Federation Conference. THE COAL "INDUSTRY. Sydney, December 20. The Sydney Barbour Colliery Company has purchased a large block of land at Balmain, and signed a contract for sinking two shafts for coal to a depth of 2960 feet, These are to be completed in two years, < and ib is expected that a quarter of a million pounds will be expended before coal is brought to the surface. , &v, ■• SUDDEN DEATH OF AN ; -v AIDE-DE-CAMP. , '~.;'., Sydney, December 20. '■ Colonel Stokes, aide-de-camp to , the Go- \ v vernor and' officer commanding .the ''4thy•': Regiment,;dropped dead while cycling. '■'■ The cause of death was hear,, disease./ ';"' '