AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10608, 10 November 1910, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

[By Telegraph—Copyright.] "-- (Per Press Association.) ' '" (DHILHREN FOR THE STAGE.' Received November 10, at 1.4 a.m. ~ .- ~ Melbourne, November 9. -To prevent the - taking of children ffom.'tlie for theatrical engagements, or any child of European extraction not in charge of an adult of European extraction, or any aboriginal, the House introduced a penalty of £2OO. A child is defined as under 16 years. ' RECORD' EARTHQUAKE RECORD. Sydney, November 9. Riverview College seismograph, starting at 4 o'clock'to-day, recorded an extraordinary earth tremor lasting several hours. 'lts supposed centre is southeast of theJßluff. The oscillations exceded in amplitude anything' yet experienced.

THE FJCHMOND DISASTER. Melbourne, November 9. Melville, the driver of tho second train in thfe Richmond disaster, was acquitted of the charge of wilfully neglecting to observe certain regulations.

LABOR GREEDY FOR POWER. Received Novcmbei 10, at 9.30 a.m. Sjdncy, November 10. The Labor Pait> is oiganisilig with a mow to securing a picponderating influence in tho Municipal and Shire Council elections in January. DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, Novembei 10 Speaking at Loict Major Davey's inaugural dinner, Earl Dudley, referring to the London Defence Conference, said it established for the first time in a clear manner the principle of the mter-dependence of all parts ot the Empno in matters ot military and naval defence. If that were so, the Empire had advanced a big step towards real Imperial unity and rsal Imperial strength. Admiral Poore, replying for the .'irmy and navy, referred to the enormous stretch of ocean highway which had to be ■■ considered. When one spoke of the naval defence of Australia il involved main routes dealing with about 65,000 miles. The main route was that through the Suez Canal. He was not sure but what we placed too much dependence on the canal as a route. It was a matter of ship-building. It was all very well in the piping'times of peace, but in war time a long stretch of narrow water would have to he guarded against. The alternative was to turn in time of war to the natural route round tho Cape. Mr Hughes, referring to the Government's policy, said they were determined that every man and woman should be aided by law to live decently. If the States made the necessary Acts, well and good; if not, then somebody else must make them, because they must be made.

A STRANGE STORY. Perth, November 10. A „man, named lias,.been brought■'■to the Sailor's' Home. He tells a. strange story of the wreck of the pearling lugger Hugh Norman,■.■'.which left port with Captain Dundee, Anderssen, and another man aboard. Shortly after, the third man, owing to trouble with vthe captain, jumped overboard land swten: ashore. The vessel after- ' wards fouled the wharf, hut, getting clear, put to.sea and drifted about for several days in a semi-swamped condition."'' The captain, according to Anderssen, owing to the effects of drink, 3vas unable'to give much assistance, J and finally the captain jumped overboard and was drowned. Anderssen, securing a lifebuoy, left the vessel and swam ashore. He was sis days wanderiing in the bush and suffered great hardships before he reached a house. PAYMENT OF SHIPS' OFFICERS. Sydney, November 10. ..'... At the Merchant" Service Guild inquiry Captain■• Watson, Secretary of the New Zealand Guild, produced an agreement between the Union Company and the Guild, which expires, in August. Efe stated that members were not satislied with present conditions, as the cost of living had increased considerably in New Zealand. He believed the company's system of tonuses w-as unsatisfactory, as the bonus was stopped on tlie slightest pretest. November 10, 8.45 a.m.

v Sydney, November 10. According to the evidence given in the Merchant Service Guild case, it now takes more than 20 years to become a captain in the Peninsular and Oriental service.

CROSSING THE STYX. Received November 10, 8.45 a.m. Fremantle, November 10. - The steamer Charon has arrived from Singapore, and four Chinese were found stowed away in the coal bunkers in a, receptacle made by bales and bags. They were in a filLhy condition. ■While the vessel was at Singapore she was thoroughly fumigated, and it is a miracle how the stowaways escaped alive. HARVESTERS DEMAND . INCREASE. Sydney, November 10. The Rural Workers' Union has decided to'fix increased wages for harvest work.' It is' said that SOOO woileers are, affected and the extra pay-will-amount to over a million per annum.