AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11520, 3 November 1900, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. THE MILITARY INQUIRY. Sydn'ey, November 2. The Assembly, after several applications of the cloture, carried an amended motion, " That the question put to the Commandant was lawful and proper, and should be answered if he is directed by the Minister for Defence to do so." The military inquiry will not be resumed till Tuesday next. NEW ZEALAND AND THE ISLANDS. Sydney, November 2. Mr. Chamberlain, replying to Sir William Lyne's inquiries with reference to New Zealand's annexation of the Cook Islands, says the islands are regarded as being different from Fiji. The group have been under the control and practically depending on New Zealand for some time. Sir William Lyne regards the message- as a ratification of the annexation of the Cook Group. THE VICTORIAN ELECTIONS. Melbourne, November 2. Mr. McLean claims that each side has 47. He has declared his intention of meeting the House. The returns are now practically completed. Mr. Thomas Bent, at one time Speaker, re-enters Parliament for Brighton. The Age says the new House will consist of' 44 Ministerialists and 51 Oppositionists. The Argus gives 45 Ministerialists, 48 Oppositionists, and two Independent. Five candidates, including Sir Bryan O'Loughlin, forfeited their deposits. The Labour party gained two or three seats. Fourteen new »and four ex-member 3 were returned. THE PACIFIC CABLE. Sydney, November 2. In the Council, the Pacific Cable Bill * passed through committee unamended. A SYSTEM OF " TIPS." Sydney, November 2. The report of the Public Service Board, dealing with the Marine Department, has dis- . closed the fact that a system of tips to surveyors and sea pilots has been in operation for many years. The report strongly .condemns the practice, but says that at present it is undesirable to proceed further in the matter, as to do so would mean displacing many able officers. *

FIND OF ALLUVIAL GOLD. Brisbane, November 2. Rich alluvial has been struck near Clearmont, and yields up to lOoz per load. RESIDENCE FOR THE STATE GOVERNOR. Sydney, November 2. In the Assembly Sir William Lyne stated, that he intended to purchase a residence for the State Governor, whose salary would be reduced to £5000. DISPUTE IN THE COAL TRADE. Sydney, November 2. At a conference of southern colliery proprietors and miners, the proprietors offered an advance of fourpence in the hewing rate from January nest, and the establishment of a sliding scale. The miners' lodges, which threatened a general strike, will consider the offer. THE PLAGUE. Brisbane, November 2. A plague —that of a man named Simpson—is reported.