AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11734, 16 August 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

————«> By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. TRAGEDY AT SEA. I Perth, August 15. During the voyage of the ship James Drumrnond, from British Columbia, Burns, the mate, entered the cabin threatening to shoot Captain Mason and his wife. Mason drew a, revolver and shot Burns dead. Deceased Lad previously threatened to shoot the captain and his wife and run the ship ashore. ACTION FOR LIBEL. Brisbane, August 15. An action for libel has been begun against the Observer, by Lieutenant-Colonel Ricardo, who went to South Africa in charge of the First Queensland Contingent. The alleged libel consisted of a cartoon imputing cowardice to Ricardo. The plaintiff admitted that he was severely reprimanded by General Hutton for the ragged condition of his men, but the censure was made m a moment of rage, and was afterwards recalled by General Button. FORGED TESTIMONIALS. Sydney, August 15. A large number of circulars inviting per* sons to obtain free photos, from Tanquerey,; director of the Societe Artistique, Paris, have been received. The Australian police find that some of She alleged testimonials from Australia are forgeries. THE VANCOUVER LINE. Melbourne, August 15. In the course of an interview Mr. Barton informed Mr. David Mills, of the Union Company, that the Commonwealth was not at present in a position to deal with the question of a subsidy to the Vancouver line, more especially as the existing contract with New South Wales had still two years to run. However, he would be glad to receive all possible information on the subject. EPIDEMIC OF PNEUMONIA AND INFLUENZA. (Received August 16. 1.5 a.m.) Sydney, August ±5. A pneumonia and influenza epidemic in the metropolitan area is severe. In the country the mortality from pneumonia is heavy. KALGOORLIE GOLD YIELD, (Received August 16, 1.5 a.m.) Perth, August 15. The gold yield from the Kalgoorlie field is 9CfJOOO ounces, 6000 ounces more than the previous record. I ~"~ —