AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15500, 6 January 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

SURF BATHERS DROWNED. VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TRAGEDY. Bt Ttrteraph—Press Association—Copyright, Melbook>:f Januai/ 5. N"Ttr bathing claimed two victims on the beac" at Point Lonsdale yesterday, the names of !*\e unfortunate swimmers being Muriel Hunter, aged 23, and William Seabrook, 32. Three others, Thomas Seabrook, Rupert Anderson, and Arthur David, aft*>? battling with the sea, were cast up on the sand in the last extremity, and after persistent efforts were restored to consciousness.

Muriel Hunter and Anderson, to whom she was engaged, were first in difficulties. There was no lifeline. The brothers Seabrook and David went to the rescue, but their strength failed. The girl f-ank and William Seabrook -was alto drowned. The other three were washed ashore. JEWELLER'S SHOP BOBBED. . Melbourne, January 5. An audacious robbery was committed at the premises of Posner, a jeve'ler in • Bourke Street, early this morning. The window was smashed, and 44 silver watches, valued at £160. were removed. BASEBALL VISITORS. Sibnet, January 5. The United States baseball teams ar*> rived here on Saturday, and were heartily greeted. The visitors played an Australian team in the' afternoon, and won by 10 runs to-1. They were' afterwards entertained to 1 dinner, the Lord Mayor pre- "" siding. DOCTORS AND LODGES. Sydney, January 5. The dispute continues between the British Medical Association and the Friendly Sr>cieties, and there is no immediate prospect of an adjustment.' Beth sides are determined. In some cases temporary agreements have been signed by the lodges on the terms of the association, but. others absolutely refuse. Friendly societies in other' places have appohit&el doctors on their old "scale. It 1* stated that there were plenty of applications foiy these appointments. •.-*"■■•

STEAMER REFLOATED. : Adelaide, January 5. The steamer Our Elsie, outward bound with a cargo of timber for Sydney, which was reported to be ashore, has been re* floated. AGED FENIAN BEAD. f Peeth, January S. The death is announced of Thomas Duggan, 92, the last but one of the 60 -. Fenians transported in 1868.. TASMAN EOS JAVA. : (Received January 5. 10.30 p.m.) ".. Sydney, January 5. h. - The Dutch mail steamer Tasman, whicte a week ago ran ashore on the Queensland ~ coast, left Thursday Island for Java -on " Sunday. The damage is 'not so..'serious, asi was anticipated, and temporary repairs = : were effected. CHARGE OF MURDER. (Received January 5, 10.86 p.m.) •,, Stdnet, January &'•.. A coloured man named Alict Marina. : (41) was to-day charged with murdering Patrick Sullivan, wiio has died in hospital with a fractured skull. Marina alleges - that he struck in self-defence. The casa was remanded till to-morrow..

MME. MELBA RETURNING. (Received January 5, 10.30 p.m.) Sydney, January 5. Mme Melba is returning to Australasia! probably in April. After resting for a few months, she may give some concerts before resuming at Co rent Garden next season, DETECTIVES TWICE BAFFLED. (Received January 5. 10.30 p.m.) MELBomNE, January 5. A prisoner named Clarke escaped from the city lock-up a fortnight ago. Soma detectives discovered a few days ago that! Clarke had arranged to Be married on, Saturday night. With the prospective bride they hid in the house, and when Clarke arrived a desperate struggle ensued. In the course of this, the detectives! were knocked down, and Clarke slipped! out, and again escaped. CLERGYMAN DISAPPEARS., (Received January 5, 9.40 p.m.) Sydney, January 5, The Rev. J. Wenborn. of the Anglican Church at Deniliquin, who had been suffering from pneumonia, yesterday escaped by a window of the private hospital where he had been confined to bed. His body has been found in the river. BIG QUEENSLAND FIRE. (Received January 5, 9.40 pjn.) Brisbane, January 5. A fire yesterday destroyed the business portion of Rosewood. Nine buildings were burned, including the Royal Bank and a large hotel. The damage is not stated.