AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13193, 2 June 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

o- , ■' ' By Telegraph.— Association,—Copyright, NEW ZEALAND TIMBERS. (Received June 2, 1.20 a.m.) Sydney, June 1. Mr. Jonws, of the Austral Timber Company. giving evidence before the Tariff Commission to-day, stated that the proposed duty on New Zealand timber would be detrimental to the users of boxes for butter, wines, whisky, meat, and fruit. There was no timber as suitable and so easily cut or procurable in the quantities necessary. To put a duty on white pine would be calamitous to producers in the Commonwealth, inasmuch as the duty would be passed oil to the man on the land. Both kauri and white pine should be free if undressed... THE LAND COMMISSION. (Received June 2. 1.12 a.m.) Sydney, June 1. Mr. Crick has laid an information against Mr. Justice Owen, charging him with unlawfully administering an oath in connection with the Land Commission. CRIMINAL STATISTICS. (Received June 2, 1.12 a.m.) Sydney, June 1. The Attorney-General says the number of prisoners in the State at, the end of 1901. vras 126 per 100,000, not 1286 per 100,000, as asserted in New Zealand. At the •end of 1905 the number was 112 per 100,000, compared with 318 per 100,000 in New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION. (Received June 2, 1.20 a.m.) Melbourne, June 1. At a meeting of the Exhibition Commissioners a reduction in passage rates was still urged, and the Huddart-Parker and Union Companies were asked to give a final answer before Tuesday. Mr. Bent has promised to double the contribution, Of Victoria for exhibition purposes. THE PLAGUE. 'Perth, June 1. Another case of plague has occurred here. STATE DEBTS. Melbourne, June 1. The Federal Treasurer says lie has a scheme which lie is confident will settle the State debts question, but he will not make it public till it is submitted to Parliament. MILITARY ESTIMATES. Melbourne, June 1. The Defence Estimates prepared by the Military Board, provide for an expenditure exceeding that of last year by £200,000. NEW SOUTH WALES . REVENUE. Sydney, June 1. The revenue of New South Wales for the past 11 months shows un increase of £908,000 upon that of the same period of the previous financial year. •SHEARERS' WAGES. Sydney, June 1. The Australian Workers' Union has issued a policy manifesto. It points to a determination to endeavour to secure better terms for the shearers. It. adds that the union will use every constitutional means before proceeding to take any other L . ..