AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12550, 18 April 1904, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph Pre»» Association—Copyright. THE HON. C. C. KINGSTON.

(Received April 18, 12.50 a.m.)'

Melbourne, April 17. The reports of the Hon. C. C. Kingston's convalescence refer to his bodily condition only. Those acquainted with the facts of •the case assert that his mental state is unsatisfactory.

NEW SOUTH WALES AGRICUL-

TUBE.

(Received April 18, 12.50 a.m.)

Sydney, April 17.

The Government statistician states that the total value of all crops gathered may be estimated at £8,500,000. He estimates the yield of maize at over 6,000,000 bushels, and oats at 1,252,000 bushels. The number of sheep increased by 2,000,000 last year, the dairy cattle number 520,000, and horses and pigs show a large increase over the preceding year.

FOOTBALL.

(Deceived April 17, 9.33 a.m.) Sydney, April 16.

A cable announces that Sivright, a West of Scotland player, lias been chosen to captain the English football team coming to Australia.

Sydney, April 16.

The University Football Club considered the offer of the Otago University Club to send a team, and decided that in view of the visits of the English, Queensland, and re Aute teams it would be inopportune for the New Zealanders to come during the present season. They will probably be invited next year.

LAND SETTLEMENT AND IMMIGRATION.

Melbourne, April 16. Mr. Deakin, in a letter to the State Premiers, urges the necessity for land settlement as au incentive to immigration.

STATE DEBTS.

Melbourne, April 16.

The adjourned conference of State Treasurers to discuss the proposal that the Commonwealth should take over the State debts and other important questions fixed for this month has been postponed. THE UNEMPLOYED. Sydney, April 16. A meeting attended by 2000 persons, the Lord Mayor presiding, discussed the unemployed" question, and a committee was appointed to devise means of affording work. , ■ "■>;.■

MR. W. T. STEAD. Sydney, April 16.. Mr. W. T. Stead leaves Capetown on a visit to Australia or Tuesday next.

WOOL TRAFFIC.

Sydney, April 16. The wool traffic lias practically closed. There is a shortage of 15,000 bales compared with last season.

EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

Stdnet, April 16. The Education Conference has made suggestions for improvements in school hygiene at a cost of £5,000,000(T).

MANUFACTURE OF LOCOMOTIVES.

Sydney, April 16.

A deputation from the Ironworkers' Association waited on Mr. Wise, ' the Attorney -General, and asked that the Government should manufacture locomotives locally instead of importing them. They estimated the cost at about 12 per cent, more, and said it would give employment to 600 men for five years. Mr. Wise replied thai; the Government was sincerely anxious to develop the iron industry, but could not give a definite answer owing to the Premier's absence. He strongly urged the masters and men to come to an agreement, which could be registered in the Arbitration Court. Otherwise it would be foolish to start building locqmotives if there was risk of the work being interrupted by labour difficulties. "'■ ;" '"j