AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13483, 9 May 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.— ACROSS AUSTRALIA ON A BICYCLE. (Received May 9, 12.44 a.m.), Sydney, May 8. The overlanding cyclist, Birtles, has arrived in Sydney, and was welcomed to-day by a large gathering. He. left • Frcin'antlo *on December. 26, and finished in excellent condition after riding 4400 miles. ' AUSTRALIA'S POPULATION. (Received May 9, 12.44 a.m.) Mkmiouiine, May 8. The population of the Commonwealth, exclusive of aborigines, oil December 31 was 4,119,581, the males numbering 2,173,545 ■ and the females 1,945,936. THE COALITION, PROPOSAL REJECTED. - . , Sydney, May 8. The Progressive parly has discussed Mr. Carruthers' coalition offer, and has finally rejected it by seven vot'ts to five. ' Mr. ; Waddell has tendered his resignation of the leadership of the Progressives, and it, is expected he will join the Government. (Received , May 8, 10.2 p.m.) Sydney, May 8. It is : understood that- about half of the Progressive party will follow Mr. WiddelJ into the Ministerial ranks. A GLUT OF SHIPPING, (Received May 8, 10.2 p.m.) Sydney, May 8. There is a congestion of shipping in Newcastle Harbour owing to the inability of the present loading appliances and mooring accommodation to cope with th© de- ' mand. y There is consequent dislocation of the coal trade, and several of the pits have stopped working until trucks are available, More than one thousand hands arc idle. PROPOSED OCEANIC EXHIBITION. Melboubne, May 8. The Australian Natives' Association proposes to hold an Oceanic exhibition next year. The Governors and Ministers of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands will be asked to take part. . THE REJECTED ARMENIANS. Perth, May 8. ■' The four Armenians, who have been refused permission to land at Fremantle, claimed that they were on a mission to raise funds to rebuild an orphanage destroyed by the Turks. THE COLLISIONS OFF ADELAIDE. Adelaide, May 8. i . At the Marine Board inquiry into tho accident to the Port Chalmers, the captain stated that he did not think the provision made to guard against vessels colliding with the . wrecks of the Norma and Jessio. Darling was sufficient. The Board, cautioned the master of the Port Chalmers to be more careful in future. The steamer "',. has been temporarily repaired. COLLIERY . MANAGER CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER. ' ;•:}; '■•.[■. Sydney, May' 8. yj.'M In connection with the recent accident aS South Clifton, in which foui men wens killed, the Coroner has found that the fall of earth was due to negligence on the part of the manager of the collier}*, and ho habeen committed or trial for manslaughter. , THE BIELEFIELD. • Brisbane, May 8. : • The Australian i>teamer Biek-, field, which suffered considerable damage by a fire breaking out amongst her cargo . whilst loading for Germany at this port, has left for Sydney, where repairs will be effected. ■