TRAGEDY IN THE WEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15884, 3 April 1915, Page 7

TRAGEDY IN THE WEST.

EIGHT PERSONS KILLED. Perth, April,. 1. Police telegrams from Broome, the pearling centre, report a tragedy among the aboriginals. A Turk, a Greek, and she blacks were shot, and the bodies were burned. Black trackers who were put on the trail of the murderers shot and wounded two natives who were endeavouring to escape. TRANSPORT OFFICER FINED. (Received April 2, 55 p.m.) Sydney, April 2. As a result of the recent inquiry, Major O'Donnell, assistant director of the transports supply, has been charged with allegedly refusing to answer certain questions and declining to take the oath. He was convicted and fined £50 on each charge. EXPORT OF SHEEPSKINS. Melbourne, April 1. The export of sheepskins without wool, or pickled pelts, is now permitted to any country without restriction. It is proposed to allow the export of woolled sheepskins to neutral countries on similar conditions to those regulating the export of wool to the United States. It has been decided not to alter the regulations relating to hides. SERIOUS EFFECT OF DROUGHT. STDKET, April 1. The Governor-General (Sir R. C. MunroFerguson), speaking at the Royal Agricultural Show to-day, said that owing to the drought fodder was almost ex-' hausted, and that meant widespread calamity to stock. STATE SEIZURE OF FLOUR. Sydxet, April 2. ' The Government has seized 300 sacks of flour that were withheld from sale. CARGO IN GERMAN VESSELS. Melbourne, April 1. Mr. Caleb Allen, manager for Messrs. Harris and Scarfe Limited, has arranged to visit Java in the interests of Australian consignees of cargo by interned German vessels, valued at £200,000. Mr. /lien will leave* on April 17. COMMONWEALTH'S RAILWAY GAUGES. Melbourne, April 1. The Hon. Mr. Griffiths stales that it would cost £37,000,000 to unify the railway gauges of Australia, and he says the outlay would not be justified, as it would not upen up any new land. TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND. Sydney, April 2. The report of the. delegate from the Workers' Educational Association, who has just visited New Zealand for the purpose of establishing branches, testifies to the beauties and hospitality of the Dominion and the sympathy accorded the movement. SERIOUS EARTH TREMOR. Adelaide, April l. A serious earth tremor at 8.30 yesterday morning was reported from various parts of the State.