AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12266, 9 May 1903, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. THE COAL STRIKE IN VICTORIA. Melbourne, May 8.

The coal strike at Outturn and Jumiburna has developed a serious side, owing to the arrest of six ffomeu on, a charge of besetting non-unionists in theL houses and threatening thein with violence. An angry feeling has been aroused amongst the strikers, and may lead to serious results. £750 has been forwarded by tho New South Wales coal miners in aid of the men.

NORFOLK ISLAND.

Melbourne, May 8. ',

The Commonwealth Government has fallen* i in with Mr. Chamberlain's suggestion to take over the control of Norfolk Island. > Sir Edmund Barton says that there is no great urgency in the matter,- and that it is desirable thai) settlers should foe settled; before the Federal Government takes charge.'

THE VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE. . Melbot/bxb, May 8. ' Sir Edmund Barton states that a contract is practically concluded with the Union, Company, extending tho Vancouver service for two years at a slightly increased subsidy. The Federal Premier stipulates that one ot the steamers shall be brought up. to the efficiency of the other two.

WRECKAGE REPORTED.

Brisbane, May 8.

The recruiting vessel, Coquette passed a quantity of wreckage, and a large number of cases of kerosene, bearing the lighthouse brand, near the. Lihin reel. This may be from the Queen Charlotte, wrecked on the reef some time ago.

FLOATING PUMICE AT SEA. BydneYj. May 8.

The American barque Star of Bengal and the Rotokino both report passing through a mass of pumice of great extent near th*Tougan group. MOUNT LYELL RETURNS. Melbourxe 2 May 8. The Mount Lyell returns from April 2 to 29, inclusive, show tnat 22,021 tons of ore, together with 3520 tons of metal-bearing fluxes, produced 450 tons of blister , copper, containing: Copper, 444 tons; silver, 46,8430z ; and gold, 16610z. THE PLAGUE. Brisbane, May 8. ! A boy has died from plague. MR. SEDDON AND THE DROUGHT Meleoctak, Mar 8. The Lord Mayor, in presiding over the Drought Relief 'Committee, Mid a letter from Mr. Seddon. covering a donation of £100 from Mr. Hugh Campbell. Mr. Seddon says.- " I need hardly state that the sufferers have the sincere sympathy of myself and colleagues Had the several Stat. Governments seen their way some months ago to accept our proffered aid, 1 feel sure material assistance would have ensued. It was intended only as a neighbourly action, and in accepting the offer no loss of prestige would have happened to Australia.