INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2301, 7 April 1898, Page 15

INTERCOLONIAL.

Melbourne, March 30.

Lord Ranfurly visits Mildura, where he has large interests, next month.

Archbishop Carr, speaking at a farewell demonstration tendered to him prior to his visit to Europe, expressed the hope that he would find a federated Australia when he returned.

A man named Nixon was fined L2OO, in addition to a sentence of two years' imprisonment, for attempting to induce witnesses to swear falsely.

April 1.

James William Christophers, the chemist's assistant who supplied Dr Williams with atrophine instead of cocaine, bis mistake having fatal results, has been committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter.

April 8.

If funds are available the Victorian Bills Association intends to send a team to compete at the forthcoming Bisley meeting.

Sydney, March 29.

A lift containing six workmen who were engaged at the new markets tilted and they were all thrown out. Four of the men franaged to dinar to the Umbers* but one,

named Barbour, fell 50ft on a cask of cement. His skull was smashed, and the man was dead. The othsr man fell across a beam, and is dangerously hurt. Dissatisfaction with the rates imposed by the American freight ring, chiefly in connection with the shipment oO kerosene, has led to a combination in opposition. Arrangements have now baen completed for the inauguration of a steamship line between New York and the colonies. The promoters consist of Fiint, Eddy, and Co. (a New York firuvof high standing) in conjunction with the largest local importers. The combination is sufficiently strong to run the venture despite any competition which may arise. Mr Ooghlan'a completed statistics show that the actual wheat ' yield of 1897-98 amounts to 10,516.288 bushels.

March 30. Sealißg down the Dudley pit has been completed, and experts are of opinion that the fire wiil be effectually smothered in a few days. Work for over 100 of the Dudley miners has been found at the A.A. Company's pits.

March 31,

Eastern news states that the rebellion at tbe Philippine Islands is rapidly assuming j proportions equal to the Jate outbreak, j owing to the failure of the Spanish Govern- i meot to redeem their promises to tbe late rebel leaden The rebels made attacks in the vicinity of Manila, and carried off large quantities of arms and ammunition. Many wealthy people are leaving the islands.

Mr Lonedafe, who was one of the defendants in the Carrutbers-Norton case, has issued a writ against the Hon. J. H. Carxuthers, claiming LSOOO damages for alleged malicious prosecution.

April 1.

The Sabara, the pioneer boat of the new American-Australian steamship line, leaves New York at the end of May with a full cargo. The movement is receiving large support in the southern colonies as well as locally.

April 3.

The sailing vessels G. M. Tucker, May, and Fido, which left Keipara the same day, had an interesting race aorois the Tasman Sea. They reached port in tbe order named within a few hours of each other.

Tbe profits accruing to the Melbourne and Sydney Ground Trusts through the recants tour of Stoddart's team are approximately L9OOO.

April 4.

At the twenty-ninth annual meeting of the Mutual Life Association, Mr W. Trickett and Mr E. Barton .were re-eleoted directors. A satisfactory increase in business s-as shown. The new premiums increased to L 21,600, wbile the total income increased t0L208,000, and tea accumulated uinds increased to L 1.200,000.

The Government experimental trawling expedition have been marooned at Lord Ho^e Island scantily provided for through the' steamer being blown to sea. in a cyclone, which sprung up suddenly. The vessel came ou to .'Sydney, but returns for the castaway*.

Newcastle, April 4.

It is believed that the fire in the Dudley pit, has been extinguished. The smoke from the air shaft has ceased.

Kalgooklie, March 30.

Mach excitement prevails over the imprisonment of the miners in connection with infringements of the alluvial mining laws, and serious complications are feared.

The Hon. E. H. Wittenoom, Minister for Mines, has been appointed Agent-general tor the colony.

Peeth, March 29.

Four men concerned in the Kalgoorlie riots were sentenced to six months'imprisonment. March 30.

Sir J. Forrest will offer to enlarge and deepen Albany Harbour if the Imperial authorities will consent to make it a naval base.

April 2.

On the recommendation of the Cabinet the Premier (Sir J. Forrest) has repealed the new mining regulation limiting alluvial sinking to 10ft. This is the regulation over which all the recent trouble arose.

Hobart, March 30.

The Postal Conference met to-day, but adjourned pending the report of the departmental heads.

March 31.

Three miners— Dillon, Eyan, and Wicks — were snffocated by foul air while prospecting a shaft near Point Cygnet.

April 4.

The Postal Conference, .owing to the financial losses that would be involved, have decided against a general reduction of charges on intercolonial telegrams. On the recommendation of the permanent heads they- also decided against the adoption, for the present, of trunk telephones between capital cities, owing to the non-suitability o£ the existing poles and other accommodation.