INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1966, 29 October 1891, Page 35

INTERCOLONIAL.

(Peb Pbess Association.) Melbodbne, October 21. The Postmaster-general, Mr Duffy, has embodied a clause in the Post Office Amendment Bill to prevent letters addressed to sweep promoters passing through the post. Daring the past fortnight 57 deaths have been recorded in this colony from influenza. October 22. The country patty are endeavouring to bring about a dissolution of Parliament on the Electoral Bill, while the Government are equally determined to oppose Parliament dissolving before the effluxion of time in April. October 23. The Marine Board have sustained the ; charge of gross misconduct preferred against ' Captain Prideaux, of the steamer Easby, and j suspended his certificate for six months. The charge against Captain Bell, of the Gambier, has been adjourned. Apprehensions of drought have been dispelled owing to the timely rains which have fallen over the colony. The crops are looking splendid. October 24. The Defence department has refused to accept delivery of 120,000 rounds ot ammunition on the ground that it is below standard and has not complied with the conditions of the agreement. Recent; communications passed between various Australian Governments calling attention to insufficient sailing appliances carried by ocean-going steamers to provide against accidents to machinery, and suggested that joint aotion should be taken to compel steamers to carry more sail power. The Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian, "Victorian, and Fijian Governments are prepared to take concerted action, and South Australia suggests that the matter should be taken up by the Powers having large maritime interests. It has also been suggested that the Imperial Government be communicated with. October 27. At the wool sales yesterday there was keen competition in all descriptions, and strong prices were realised. Greasy combing brought ' from lOd tolled per lb. The Marine Court has found Captain Bell of the Gambier guilty of gross misconduct in connection with the collision between the Gambier and Easby, and has suspended his certificate for nine months. Captain Bell declined to hand in his certificate to the court, pending an appeal to the Governor-in-Council. Sydney October 21. Signor Majeroni, the actor, is dead. There is great excitement over pegging out the platinum claims. The Government refused the syndicate's application and threw the ground open. Owing to strong sympathy with the syndicate, willing workers secured the major portion of the land in pegging out. October 22. Information has been received from Apia that the Samoan Government have issued a proclamation declaring Mataaf a's party rebels, and confiscating their property. The rebels meet shortly to discuss the situation. Much dissatisfaction is expressed in Samoa at the protracted absence of Mr Justice Gederkranz, owing to the great amount of work which has accumulated in the Supreme Court. October 23. Among the Talune's passengers is Mr Logan, who was returned in. May to represent the Harborough division of Leicestershire in the House of Commons. The Trades Council have adopted the suggestion of the Labour Electoral League recommending that the Government be urged to appoint labour representatives to the Legislative Council. October 26. At the wool sales competition was spirited. Greasy fetched up to dd per lb ; scoured to Is 3d. The New South Wales Rifle Association^ annual competition was opened to-day. About 700 competitors are taking part. Influenza is very severe in both the town and country. The telegraph and railway services ate interfered with, and many deaths are recorded. October 27. At the New South Wales Rifle Association tsompetition Corporal Hazard, of the A ißattery, Auckland, scored 62 out of a possible 70 in the Nursery Match, and won £2. The score o! the winner was 67. Adelaide, October 21. In the Legislative Assembly the Lands Bepurchase Bill has been introduced. This Is the first step in the Government policy to break up and prevent the reaccumulation of big estates. It provides for compulsory repurchase, whether the owners are willing or not ; while the valuation will be not more than 20 per cent, beyond the land tax assessment, plus the value of improvements. October 22. The House of Assembly is debating a motion to abolish capital punishment, to which an amendment has been proposed substituting electricity as a means of execution instead of hanging. T .. .. October 23. In the Legislative Assembly a motion has been carried requesting the Government to make inquiries into the rainmaking expert- j

ments now being carried out in the United States. October 26. The Rev. "Mr Gilmore, a well-known political and social reformer. His faneial was the largest ever accorded a minister in j the colony. Brisbane, October 23. The murderers of Howard and Craig at the Solomon Islands have been shot. Captain Davis ordered the men of the Royalist to pursue the natives, who took to the bush, where they returned the attack, but were repulsed at the point of the bayonet and the murderers killed. Hobart, October 22. In the House of Assembly the Constitution Amendment Bill, providing for an increase of members of both Houses, has been rejected.