AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10766, 15 May 1911, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

[By Electbio Telegraph.—Copyiught.] (Per Press Association.) REFERENDA RETURNS. Received: May 15, at 0.35 a.m. _ Sydney, May 13-. - ! ; The final referenda figures are: Victoria (legislative powers) "Yes," 1 170,288; "No," 278,390. Monopolies— Adelaide, May 15. The final figures for South Australia, show a majority of over thirty thousand on* both issues for "No." STANIFORTHSMITH'S RESCUE EXPEDITIONS. _ Melbourne, May 13. Official advices have been received that the two parties despatched to search for Mr Staniforth Smith's.: Papuan expedition have returned.;: ;Two native carriers attached to one party died on the journey. EFFERVESCENT STUDENTS. - . ; Sydney, May 14. ' Barr.ed by the University Senate from holding the usual commemoration procession, the undergrads, pressing a varied assortment of vehicles into their service, paraded the streets, gathering in the vicinity of the Chancellor's house, Macquarrie, giving vent to mixed weird musical sounds, hoots and groans. A small squad of police eventually restored harmony. During the day the Chancellor was inundated with a curious assortment of gifts from the students, ranging from live sheep to a pianola, and wood and coal enough to almost stock a shop.' •::'.■■....;-. THE TIRELESS CYCLIST. . Received May 15, at 8:5, a.m.' : .! Sydney, May 15. Birtles, the overland cyclist, accompanied by Plimmer, has left Sydney for another ride round Australia. AUSTRALIAN FmANCES. •Melbourne, May 15. The Federal revenue for; the nine months ended March 21st was £12,992,000, an increase of £1,458,000 compared with the same period of last year. The expenditure was; £14,514,000, an increase'of £2;974,000. A CHRISTIAN MODUS VIVENDI. Perth, May 15. The Presbyterian Assembly has approved of the basis of a doctrine scheme for the union of the. Methodist, Congregational, and Presbyterian Churches. CHIEF SECRETARY'S ILLNESS. Received May 15, at 9.35 a.m. Sydney, May 15. The Chief Secretary's condition is improving. INCOME TAX-LIMIT REDUCED. Sydney, May 15. It is understood that the Government intend to lower the income tax limit to £2OO. IN THE AIR. Sydney, May 15. A 1-udely-constructed airship, 30 feet loii"- bv four wide, was found on the beach near Yamba. It was evidently built in the vicinity, but there is no trace of the builder. Brisbane, May 15.

A mvsterious airship carrying two men passed over St. George a. few days ago, coining from the direction of New South Wales.

A GOOD OLD AGE. Hobart, May 15. John Tremayne has just died, aged 103 years.

FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED. Perth, May 15. A mysterious tragedy occurred at Wood Lupin. .The body of an 18-year-old girl named Compton was found in the bush near where she was employed as a domestic servant. She had evidently been strangled and carried into the bush. There are signs of a severe struggle near where Coinpton's body was discovered. A swagsman with whom he was seen talking is suspected, but has disappeared. "MOTHERS' DAY." Sydney, May 15. Yesterday was observed as "Mothers' Day," and the wearing of the emblematic white flower was extensively adopted. JAPANESE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Sydney, May 15. It transpires that the commander of the Japanese Antarctic expedition has returned to Japan to furnish the Government with the causes of failure. A member of the party has stated that they realised that the vessel was unfitted for Polar exploration. They expect that, as. a result of the commander's report, they will be recalled to Japan for aTfewweeks. He added that the party were hot thoroughly seized with itlie conditions they would encounter in the Antarctic, and that they would be better prepared next time.