AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12538, 4 April 1904, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

(Received April 3, 9.27 a.m.) Sydney, April 3. The Australasian bowling championship commenced yesterday. i Prince, of New Zealand, disposed of his opponents in the first and second rounds. Gibson won his heat in the second round, Bush was defeated in the first round, and Notman forfeited in the second round. THE DAMAGE TO THE ARAMAC. Brisbane, April 2. Examination of the Aramac slio\v;s two big holes in the vessel's bottom one being 25 feet by seven feet, directly Tinder the watertight compartment. If it had not been for this compartment it would have been impossible to have kept the steamer afloat-. INTER-STATE CRICKET. Brisbane, April 3. In the match Queensland v. New South Wales, the home team in their first innings mad© 132, Crouch 26, and Marshall 22, being the top scorers. Noble captured four wickets for 19. New South Wales have lost one wicket for 93Duff 56 and Janson (not out) 30. CYCLING. Sydney, April 2. .

The drastic action of the League of Wheelmen over the Sydney Thousand is approved in cycling circles. It is considered the step was necessary to keep the sport pure, and to check an evil which has been on the increase for some time. It is stated that there was collusion in the other races at the late meeting, but it was impossible to prove it up to the hilt. The disqualifications hold throughout Australasia, and as far as the Americans, MacFarland and Downing, who had many important engagements ahead, are concerned, they will be prevented racing in any part of the world.

Corbett, winner of the Sydney Thousand Cycling Handicap, who was subsequently disqualified, has advised the promoters of the Sydney Thousand Meeting not to pay over the prize money, as he intends to take further action. It is rumoured that the case will be fought out in the law courts. The New South Wales League is taking steps to inform the European and American cycling bodies of the disqualifications. In consequence of MacFarland's disqualification, the South Australian League I s decided to abandon the big meeting, wL li was to have commenced on Saturday week, whereat MacFarland was to have been one of the chief attractions. As most of the Australian cracks have left Sydney and booked through to Adelaide, the league will probably have to pay their out-of-pocket expenses.

NEW SOUTH WALES REVENUE. Sydney, April 2. The State revenue for the quarter shows an increase of £284,000 for the nine months, and of £229,000 as compared with the same periods last year. THE DOWIE MEETINGS. Adelaide, April 2. Two university students were fined for riotous Behaviour at the Dowie meeting. MR. KINGSTON'S CONDITION. Melbourne, April 2. Mr. Kingston's condition is unchanged. NEW ZEALAND'S POSITION. Sydney, April 2. The Daily Telegraph, commenting on Newfoundland's declining to federate with Canada, compares the condition of New Zealand and New South Wales. It says: —" New Zealand outside federation enjoys the complete management of its own affairs. It is talked of and respected throughout the Empire as no State of the Commonwealth is. It has the right of direct independent communication with the Imperial Government. Mr. Seddon is equal to Mr. Deakin, and much more than equal to the State Premiers. New Zealand is happy, confident, ambitious, and prosperous. On the other hand New South Wales has fallen from its proud estate as the leading colony of Australasia to the position of a harassed dependent State. If it had kept outside federation it would be better off to-day, but in the long run federation, it is to be hoped, will abundantly justify itself, and New Zealand may be glad to enter the union.

LAWN TENNIS. Sydney, April 2. ho Tennis Association is considering the New Zealand Association's proposal to play a match against New South Wales in September. It has been decided to inform, the team that it will be very welcome. NEW SOUTH WALES HARVEST. Sydney,' April 2. The Government Statist estimates the value of the wheat crop at £3,370,000, of which sum £2/100,000 will be drawn from outside sources. THE MELBOURNE ELECTION. Melbourne, April 2. The postal vote has reduced Dr. Maloney's majority considerably. The final returns give him a majority of 859. In returning thanks Mr. Maloney declared that the platform of the Labour party was the foundation of a higher civilisation, and with the help of God the party would create it. The result, he said, was a warning to Mr. Balfour as to Australians' attitude towards the introduction of Chinese into the Transvaal. Dr. Maloney was very excited and rushed about embracing and kissing male electors. He received a very strong woman vote. VICTORIA REVENUE. ' Melbourne, April 2. The revenue for the nine months was £308,000 above the same period last year, HEAVY RAINS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, April 2. Drenching rain throughout yesterday .completely spoiled the holiday, and adversely affected the attendance at the cattle show. The bowling tournament was postponed. The rain has been "very heavy in the northern and eastern distnets 2 extend- , ing west. - ',