AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11534, 20 November 1900, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright, STORMY WEATHER IN NEW SOUTH WALES. \ Sydney, November 19. There has been heavy general rain for the last 48 hours, with electrical disturbances. Over 4£in of rain have fallen. A boy named Dawes was killed by lightning at Granville. ■_' •- Later. Heavy rains have continued. Eleven inches fell in 48 hours at Berry. NEW ZEALAND AND THE COMMON. WEALTH. Sydney, November 19. The Daily Telegraph, referring to the deal hlpa 'of the New Zealand Government to have a hand in the Empire's policy, considers it would be far more politic to join the Commonwealth than to have representation in the Imperial Parliament. In such a case it would be, perhaps, possible to add' some Pacific islands to the Federated State of New Zealand, and give it free trade with Australia and the Islands. Obviously, it cannot have these advantages while it stand* aloof, and the Commonwealth Parliament is opposed to the passing of islands to an unfederated colony. Mr. Seddon would dc * greater service to the Empire by helpinj to achieve Australasian union. THE NATIONAL MUTUAL SOCIETY. ';,' Melbourne, November 19. ~ The National Mutual Assurance Society petitioned the Supreme Court to confirm a resolution in favour of enlarging' the society*! powers of investment.. The Court) dismissed; the petition. ■'~."•;■'• ; ; ; ;