AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14121, 24 July 1909, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph,—Press Association,—Copyright. ALLEGED BANK FRAUDS. (Received July 24, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, July 23. An investigation into the cash, accounts of James Martin Fitzsimmons, the bank teller who was recently arrested, show, it is alleged, cleverly-carried out frauds running into thousands of pounds.

COURSING IN SYDNEY. (Received July 24, 1 a.m.) Sydney, July 23. At the National Coursing Meeting- the New South Wales Champion Cup was won by Bald Face, who beat Wild Chief., In the St. Leger Black Banner beat Blacktown.

BENT LAND COMMISSION.

Melbourne, July 23.

The Bent Land Commission has completed its report. It is understood that it exonerates the ex-Premier and finds that he did not personally benefit by the land transactions.

«?RIZE FOR

Melbourne, July 2?

The Federal Government has decided to provide £5000 towards a prize for an aeroplane suitable for war purposes, conditional on the public providing a similar amount. .

THE DREADNOUGHT FUND. Sydney, July 23.

The Premier (Mr. Wade) has declined to entertain a proposal that the Government subsidise £ for £ public subscriptions to the Dreadnought fund on the understanding that the money is handed to the Commonwealth for local defence.

CRIME STATISTICS. Adelaide, July 23. Crime statistics show a steady decrease in the number of prisoners. The figures last year were the best on record, the prison population being 219, compared with 246 in the previous year. FROZEN MEAT TRADE. Brisbane, July 23. Mr. Whittingham, who recently visited' New Zealand to inquire into the frozen meat trade, was greatly impressed by the Dominion's methods. He is satisfied that they could be profitably followed by Queensland. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN POLITICS. Adelaide, July 23. Parliament was opened yesterday.' The Governor's Speech foreshadowed ' three new railways to open up agricultural areas, a progressive land tax, Compulsory Purchase Bill, and reference of the Murray waters question to the law courts. The House adjourned till Tuesday. The Labour party has decided to submit a no-confidence motion. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. Melbourne, July 23. In the House of Representatives to-day Sir Wm. Lyne moved in favour *'f a Bill to remove tariff anomalies. The debate was adjourned. An amendment was made in the Old Age Pensions Bill removing restrictions on Asiatics receiving pensions. Mr. Deakin promised sympathetic consideration to a suggestion to place a provisioned lifeboat on Middleton Reef. (Received July 24, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, July 23. The discussion on the Old Age Pension Bill in committee was marked by recriminations between Sir Wm. Lyne and Sir John Forrest and Mr. Cook. The Chairman warned Sir Wm. 1 Lyne against the continual interruptions. DEFERRED CABLES. Melbourne, July 23. The Postmaster-General states that the deferred delivery cable system proposal is still under consideration of the Pacific Cable Board, and the Government is awaiting its reply. He added that if expectations of those who made the proposals were realised the system might be greatly beneficial. . At the same time it might result in loss of revenue.