AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4872, 26 January 1903, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

RELIEF FOR SUFFERERS BY THE DROUGHT. SYDNEY, January 24. Tho Lord MaiJ’or (Alderman T. Hughes) presided last evening at a meeting of influential citizens in tlio Town Hail to initiate a fond for tho relief of drought-suffering -settlors. It was announced that already £3OO had been received towards tlio fund, chiefly from New Zealand and Tasmania. Tlio Primate (Archbishop Saunwez Smith) nnd others tnada strong appeals on behalf of tho settlers, and gave harrowing details of their sufferings and losses. A considerable amount was subscribed in tim room. THE VICTORIAN PROBATE BILL. MELBOURNE, January 24. Tho Probate Bill, which wa-s recently rejected by tlio State Legislative Gounod, lias been reintroduced in tho Assembly. Tho Treasurer (Mr W. Shi-ofs) stated tint it was an essential part cf his financial proposals, and unless it was passed it was impossible for tlio Government to carry on.

Tho Treasurer also announced that there was no intention to include milling companies under tbo prop-sal to collect incomp tax from dividend-paying companies. i

RAILWAY WORKERS AND UNIONISM.

MELBOURNE, January 24.

Tim railway employees have decided to uphold their right of affiliation to the Trades Hall, contending that it is nob a political body. PARTY FEELING IN MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, January 24. Commenting on Mr Robert Reid’s election to tlio federal Senate in tiro p’aco of tho iato Sir Frederick Sargocd, tho “ Ago ” satyr, tlio State Parliament has slttwn contempt for tho federal feelings, and sent to tho Senate a candidate directly misrepresenting tlio declared opinions of tho State. Tho “ Argils ” declares that the combined Houso has risen above narrow party considerations, and upheld tlio will of tho people as ascertained when tho into Sir Frederick Sargood was elected.