AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14692, 29 May 1911, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.— Press Association.—Oopyrfffilt

BRISBANE GAS EMPLOYEES.

Received May 29, 12.35 a.m.)

Brisbane, May 2P At a meeting representative of 46 trade unions, it was resolved that unless a favourable reply is received from the Premier in regard to the proposed conference, the only practicable solution of the gas employees' trouble is a general strike. Both companies have considered the suggested conference, but their replies to the Premier have not been disclosed.

COAL TRAINS IN COLLISION. (Received May 29, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, May 28. Two double-engined coal trains collided on the Powlett line, and three engines were derailed and badly smashed. The crews escaped by jumping off when it was seen that the collision could not be

avoided.

THE WRECKED MANDALAY.

(Received May 29. 12.40 a.m.) Perth, May 28.

The crew of the barque Mandalay, which was wrecked nine miles from Brooks Inlet, near Albany, have arrived after an arduous journey overland. They state that the vessel was driven off her course by gales. The captain ran her ashore on a sandy beach. Ward, the only Englishman aboard, at great risk carried a lifeline ashore, and the remainder of the crew were enabled to land in safety. The Mandalay has a hole in her bottom, /md the mainmast is gone. She lies embedded in the eand, with seas breaking over her, and it is unlikely that she will be refloated. FIRE BRIGADE EMPLOYEES. Sydney, May 27. The Fire Brigade Employees' Union has issued claims for an increase of 20 pel cent, in wages. OIL FUEL. Sydney, May 27. Seventy thousand gallons of oil fuel were yesterday despatched from Hartley Vale for the use of the Federal destroyers. RUBBER GROWING IN PAPUA. Melbourne, May 27. ' The Federal Government is lending the ' Papuan Administration £5000 a year for five years for the purchase of a rubber plantation. BITTER PIT IN APPLES. Melbourne, May 27. Dr. Jean. White's theory that the cause of bitter pit in apples is spraying witk arsenate of lead is to be tested by the Federal and State Governments. PAID SECRETARY WANTED. Sydney, I*lay 27. Mr. Faff an hag resigned the presidency, of the New South Wales Bowling Association because members rejected hia proposal for the imposition of a capitation fee of 3s per member for a paid secretary. NAPHTHA DRINKING. Melbourne, May 27. To prevent naphtha drinking, the Minis* tcr for Customs has decided to issue a new regulation providing for the addition of one-half per cent, coal tar to naphtha.