AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10425, 24 April 1897, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Pmm Association.—Electric Telegraph.—Copyright THE PROTECTIONIST CONFERENCE Sydney, April 23. The Protectionist Conference has carried a resolution expressing confidence in Mr. Lyne as leader. The work of the Conference has practically amounted to an expression of opinion that the party should organise, educate, and agitate, but above all be ready. THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON. Sydxkv, April 23. H.M.e. Royal Arthur has sailed with the time-expired crews of the Mildura, Walla, roo, and Waterwitch. A SAD OCCURRENCE. Melbourne, April 23. Mrs. Stock drowned herself and her two-year-old daughter in the ¥arra. She was seen to passionately kiss the child and then jump into the water with it in her arms. An attempt to rescue her failed. Some time ago she separated from her husband, and several times has attempted to commit suicide. WEST AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS. Perth, April 23. Tbe Premier opened the railway to Cue, and indicated the line would ultimately be carried to the extreme north of the colony. THE MANCHESTER CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY. Melbourne, April 23. Information has keen received that the Manchester Co-operative Society does not intend to confine its operations to Sydney, but as trade develops will open branches in the chief centres of all the Australasian colonies. DRUIDS' GALA. Melbourne, April 23. At the Druids' gala, the five-mile inter* national scratch race resulted as follows :— Walnej 1; Middleton, 2; Martin, 3. The fourth was only a few inches apart from the placed men. Time, 12m 4s.

The band contest resulted as follows First prize cornet solo, won by G. Glennie, I Invercargill Band; first prize euphonium solo, won by A. Fergusson, Invercargill. THE CANTATA " HINEMOA." Sydney, April 23. The Philharmonic Society has accepted for peformanco the Maori cantata "Binemoa," by Messrs. Hill and Adams, young New Zealanders. VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. Melbourne, April 23. A return, prepared by the Railway Department, shows that for the year ended June last thirty-nine lines failed to pay working expenses. The total approximate loss for the year, including interest, was £223,000. The other nineteen lines paid working expenses, but failed to meet interest charges to the extent of £117,000. The approximate loss on 58 lines on the year's working was £340.000. COLONIAL BANK OF AUSTRALASIA. Melbourne, April 23. The half-yearly report of the Colonial Bank of Australasia shows that the net amount required to provide all losses is £550,000. The ascertained losses are thus larger than the paid-up capital by over £42,000. The directors recommend a call of £2 per share, and thus place the Bank in a sound position. ' STORMY WEATHER. Sydney, April 22. A heavy gale, with rain, raged all nighb and still continues. There ie a tremendous sea all along the coast, and shipping is delayed.

The weather continues boisterous, with steady and heavy rain, which is extending to the interior. A very rough sea is running and many- vessels are sheltering and beating off the coast. Those arriving report an exceedingly trying time. Mr. Wragge predicts stormy weather for Now Zealand.