AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13391, 21 January 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. SOCIAL TO MR. SAWERS. (Received January 20, 8.18 p.m.) Melbourne, January 19. » Tut: dairymen tendered a social to Mr. Sawers, tin- New Zealand Government cheese expert, to-night. The Minister for Agriculture referred to the kindness and courtesy of the New Zealand Government in sending Mr. Sawers to judge the exhibits at the cheese exhibition. Mr. Holmes responded on behalf of the visitors, and thanked the Government for the hospitality extended to Mr. Sawers.

A HEAT WAVE. Adklaidk, .January 19. There is intense heat in Adelaide to-day. Over 106 degrees in the shade is registered in the city.

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR OX THE SUGAR FIELDS. IJkisban'! . January 19. There is great shortage of labour on the northern sugar fields of Queensland. -An expert states that weeds are flourishing in the fields, and he predicts a short-

age of 40.000 to 50,000 lons next crushing season.

HUSBAND AND WILL DROWNED Syuxky, January 19,

While gathering shellfish at Kempsey, i man named Brenton and his wife and son weiv washed out to sea. The son swam ashore, but the parents wore drowned.

THH STEAMER AIRLIE. Bkiskavk, January 19. The steamer Airlic's after hold is full of water. UI'TIJKKAK OF I'LACL'K. Rrishank, January 19. A serious outbreak of plague is reported. A man in the Salvation Army shelter has developed the disease, and, another shows suspicious symptoms. The cases of three hoys at Kinsholme Farm have been diagnosed as plague. "tie ha* succumbed, Three other cases are suspected. NEW SOUTH WALKS SWIMMERS. SriiMiv, January 19. Cecil Mealy and U. Maker will represent, .Yew South Wales at the Christchurch swimming championships. A number of other swimmers accompany them. TIIK FEDERAL ELECTIONS. Sydney, January 19. til* the 678.500 voters on the Federal rolls, 357,586 voted. The percentage of males who voted was 59.36, and of females 44.94.