AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13480, 3 July 1907, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.' Copyrights. BANK CLEARINGS. (Received Jn!y 3. 1.13 a.m.) • Sydney, July 2. Tub Sydney bank clearings for the 26 weeks of the current year, total £114,249,000, which is £9,930,000 abov* tho corresponding period of last year. THE BAUER MURDER. (Received July 3. 1.13 a.m.) MKLnouRNE, July 2., The State Government haw increased th* reward in connection with the Bauer murder to £1000. THE MAIL CONTRACT. (Received July 3, 1,13 &.m.) Mi=n,BOTrii.N*E, July 2. The representative of the mail syndicate intimates that certain finanoial houses in London have arranged to supply the whole of the £1,750,000 worth of debentures in connection with the contract, and consequently Victoria's guarantee may not be needed. MELBOURNE-SYDNEY TELEPHONE. SfO-VKt, July 2. The telephone line between Sydney and Melbourne is now complete, and will be opened next week. A SERIOUS! FIRE. Sydney, July 2. A fire on the premises of Messrs. Gor* don and Sons, shirtmakers, did damage estimated at £7000. ALLEGED WHEAT RING. Adelaide, July 2. j The Commissioner for Lands has promised i that the Government will hold an inquiry into the alleged wheat ring, which is stated to have kept the prices one penny to threepence below the prices of the New South Wales and Victorian grain. LOADING REGULATIONS. Sydney, July 2. The shipping masters are firmly resisting the new loading regulations. Newcastle Harbour is now crowded with vessels. REVENUE RETURNS. Brisbane, July 2. The year's revenue of Queensland i» £4,308,000, showing an increase of £454,000, and £596,000 in excess of expenditure. Hobart, July 2. The Tasmanian revenue for the- year is £970,000, an increase of £70,000, and £79,000 above the estimate. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. Melbourne, July 2. The Federal Parliament will be opened to-morrow. ■' . "\ ( HOTELS CLOSING DOWN. ; Sydney, July 2. Five hotels have been closed at Bathuretj .owing to the noa-renewal of licenses*