INTERCOLONIAL. (Per Press Association) Melbourne, February 19.

Otago Witness, Issue 1933, 25 February 1892, Page 34

INTERCOLONIAL. (Per Press Association) Melbourne, February 19.

The sailing of the s.s. Hauroto, for New Zealand, has been indefinitely postponed. She met with an accident to her shaft which necessitates the receipt of a new one from Dunedin. The directors of the Kauri Timber Company to-day interviewed the Minister of Customs, requesting that kauri timber should be included amongst the articles entitled to a drawback in exportation. Mr Turner, in reply, said he would endeavour to fall in with the view of the deputationists. February 23. The Argus counsels the Australian public to await developments before assisting the proposed New Hebrides Company which is being formed in London. The Metropolitan Board of Works has authorised the issue of a half-million loan for four years at 5 per cent. Sydney, February 18. A terrible explosion of a blasting compound known as " rackarock " is reported from Broken Hill. A man named George was killed and four others horribly mutilated. One of them, who had the whole of the lower portion of his body blown away, still lives. The Land Compauy of Australia has suspended payment. The deposits amount to L 87.000, and the paid-up capital to L 155.000. Nearly L 250,000 worth of shares are hypothecated as security to English debenture-holders, who advanced L 190.000. A serious subsidence occurred in the Proprietary Block XIV mine at Broken Hill. The trimlines have fallen for Bft for a distance of 100 ft. The Proprietary authorities say it will not affect their property, as the portion where the subsidence took place is worked out. It is expected that the creep will " continue for several days. February 22. Stansbury and Sullivan have signed articles, and the race will be rowed on May 2. February 23. The wife of the late Captain White, of the barquentine Lismore, which was run into by the A.S.N. Company's steamer Eurembla off Richmond river in November last, has recovered L 2500 damages for the loss of the vessel. The Customs Duties Bill passed its second reading in the Legislative Council by 26 to 17. Adelaide, February 18. Mr Price Williams, of Wales, has approached the Government relative to the completion of the transcontinental railway, with branches to New South Wales and Queensland. It is proposed to construct it on the principle of the hypothecation of the land. The syndicate which Mr Williams represents would be prepared to begin work as soon as tho London money market is in a favourable condition to raise the necessary funds. Tho Government have promised to give tho proposal thoir careful consideration.