AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11856, 7 January 1902, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. GOLD RETURNS IN WEST AUS' • TP ALIA. " \ m Perth, January 6. The gold yield for the year was 1.881,7560z, 300.0000z above the previous year, and 237,0G00z above the State's previous record. ■ - ' , MINISTERIAL ELECTIONS. Perth, January 6, The Ministerial elections resulted in Messrs. Jamieson (Lands), Gregory (Mines), and TJllingworth (Treasurer) being returned unopposed. " A DISASTROUS CYCLONE. Sydney, January G. Tlio Narrabri cyclone lasted only five minutes. It was accompanied by rain and hail. Some small premises were bodily carried away, besides which wholesale damage was done to the town. ' There was great destruction in the surrounding district. Numbers of persons were rendered homeless, and the Government are sending them assistance. The man Herbert was killed by lightning. A WELL-KNOWN. BOWLER KILLED. Sydney, January 6. Fred Thomas, secretary of• the Bowling Association, and a well-known bowler, died from injuries received in stopping a runaway horse; BREAK UP OF THE DROUGHT. Sydney, January 6; Good rain is falling in the coastal districts, and is extending inland. Melbourne, January 6. There is a good general rainfall, excepting in the north, where it is light. THE SECOND TEST MATCH. Sydney, January 6. The Daily Telegraph in commenting oil the test match, says each side had an innings and a-half oil a bowler's pitch, find a half-innings on a batsman's pitch. In both cases the Australians proved themselves the better to the extent of two runs to one. Any significance attached to the Sydney defeat has been cancelled by the Melbourne win, and we are no nearer a reliable estimate of the strength of the two sides. The Telegraph expresses a hope that- the selectors will see their way to include a slow bowler or one who will serve to give some variety to the attack in the next match. ■

The Sydney Morning Herald says the remarkable victory of the Australians will be welcomed not only as thoroughly deserved, but as adding interest to the remaining test matches. It is a curious thing that whenever the English captain won the toss and decided to take the field his . side lost. The fact that Maclaren had a chance of batting first minimises the force of the possible objection that chance, not skill, defeated him, The noticeable features in the match were the brilliant success of Noble as ft bowler and the fine performances of Hill, Duff, and Armstrong with the bat.

THE INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE. Sydney, January 6. Mr. Barton has been advised that the International Telegraph Conference, fixed to be held in London next month, lias been postponed till February in the following year.

A BURGLAR SHOT. (Deceived January 6, 11.36 p.m.)

Sydney, January 6. At the inquest on Buckley > who was shot at Guildford, the evidence showed that -the station office, had been ransacked, and that the deceased had partly forced the; safe. When . sin-prised he was armed With a loaded revolver, and attempted to use it after being wounded. , The stationmaster gave evidence that the deceased was a personal friend, and was in the office, conversing with him a . few" hours prior to the tragedy. The fatal shot was not intentional, but was the outcome of excitement. The office was robbed some • months ago; and another attempt was made _ recently. The jury exonerated the stationmaster, and complimented him ■' on Ins pluck. ' 1 ' •