INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 17

INTERCOLONIAL.

M-elbouenb, April 12. The Age says :—": — " A curious discovery was made in connection with the cable charges at the recent Postal Conference, and the matter is now being investigated. It appears that South Australia gets 7d per word for messages traversing her lines, although the local rates to Port Darwin are much less. The same system appears to be in vogue on the Indian-British lines. The conference was not able to ascertain what the cable companies working in co-operation with the Eastern Extension Company receive. It is possible, if these charges were reduced to the rates obtaining locally, that through messages to Australia might be reduced by 9i or Is cer word." April 13. The butter exported this season compared with last season has decreased nearly 2000 tons, representing a monetary decreass of nearly L200,0C0. April 14. Sir G. Turner opened thfe Federal campaign last night. While disagreeing with some of the provisions of the Convention Bill, he announced that he would vote for the measure, and advised all to follow his example. There wei'6 objections to union, as provided in the bill, but; much worse fears of disunion. Such a union was much preferable to disunion. The speech was received with considerable enthusiasm, and cheers were given for Federation. A prospector unearthed a 72 ;z nugget in the Castlemaine district. April 16. Sir G. Turner considers that German y's threat to withdraw the favoured - nation treatment from the British colonies is of little importance, as Germany only takes raw material from Australia. April 17. Mr M'Lean, a member of the Cabinet without portfolio, has resigned in consequence of his 3trongly disapproving of the Federation Bill. Sydney, April 14. Professor D*ird is arranging for another coral-boring expedition to Funafuti (one of the Ellice group).- The Admiralty has lent the warship Poi poise to convey the party to thß island. The Government are giving assistance to the project. H.M.S. Pergain has sailed for Tonga, via Auckland. April 15. At the Dudley pit disaster inquiry trie manager stated that the fan was going some time before the explosion occurred. The pit was so free from gas that half an hour wss sufficient to clear' it. Naked lights were used, but every precaution was taken. He could only account • for the explosion owing to the fall of the roof releasing gas. April 16. The Misses White, nieces of the late Hon. James White, were bathicg at Avmidals, whan the younger got out of her depth. The elder Bister was drowned in a heroic attempt to save her. A coachman saved the younger girl. Adelaide, April 12. Chief Justice Way has married the widow of the late Dc Blue. Bkisbane, April 13. At a meeting of the Executive Council to-day Sir H. Nelson resigned the Premiership and Vice-preßidency of the Executive Council, and was appointed President of the Legislative Council. The Hon. T. J. Byrnes was appointed to the combined offices of Premier and Afctoraey-general and Vicepresident of the Executive Council. Mr Bjrnes has received large promises of support from both sides of the House. April 16. It is understood that Mr Murray, member for Normanby, joins the Cabinet. -It has been decided to form a wool-selling brokers' association in Brisbane. Pekth, April 14. An aboriginal has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of another black. The prisoner alleged that Durack, owner of Denham station, had instructed him to drive away the natives suspected of cattle-stealing, and to shoot Jacky and another named Monday. The former was shot dea.d and thelatter wounded. Darack will be charged, with murder. Thursday Island, April 15. * News from the East 'announces a further serious outbreak .or rebellion in the Philippines.