INTERCOLONIAL,

Otago Witness, Issue 2323, 8 September 1898, Page 13

INTERCOLONIAL,

MELBOURNE, August 31. The Land Law Amendment Bill introduced into the Assembly provides for the compulsory resumption of large es bates and cutting them up into small areas for closer settlement. A meeting of farmers decided to form a farmers' co-operative company, with a capital of £100,000. The organisation will control the export of wheat and other cereals and products, and erect mills and stores. The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company from July 28 to August 24 treated 15,573 tons of ore yielding 47 tons copper, 66,2060z silver, 24060z gold. The directors notify that in consequence of the lower grade ore treated during the half year and the unavoidable delay in the completion of the new furnaces the dividend payable on October 1 will be 2s per share. Shareholders are reminded that the capacity of the plant will be enlarged during the existing half year. As the new smelters are gradually put in blast the net receipts will be materially increased. Sir John M'lntyre has resigned the leadership of the Opposition. Mr Duncan Gillies has been elected, his successor. September 1. Sir G. Turner, the Premier, has advised the Agent-general to secure 25,000 ft of space at the Greater Britain Exhibition. The body of a well-dressed man, covered with blankets, was found in the bush near Bendigo. The man had evidently been dead for several months. A number of heavy tin slugs were found embedded in the head, similar slugs were found in the surrounding trees. The indications are that the man was shot while sleeping. September 3. At u a sale of purebred cattle Mr A. M. Williams, of Hawke's Bay, purchased the bull Cherry Duke of Derrimut Ninth for 170 guineas. SYDNEY, August -30. Speaking at a banq.uet, Sir George Dibbs

said that all possibility of his re-entry into politics had passed away. The Protectionist party had to some extent been chopped into mincemeat by Mr Barton and others. He declared that Mr Lyne, and not Mr Barton, must be recognised as leader of the party. August 31. Owing to the high rates and the stringent conditions levied by the insurance companies hampering the export trade, and to the alleged driving of tonnage from New South Wales ports, a movement is afoot among the meat companies, shippers, and consignees to combine to do their own underwriting. The wreck on the Crocodile Shoal is supposed to be the schooner W. C. Kondio, which disappeared during a gale a couple of months ago. September 1. General rain has fallen, and as all the colonies participated the crop prospects are highly promising. There is rough sea on the coast, necessitating the shipping Reeking shelter. September 2. Lieutenant Lamb, of the Fifth Dragoons, stationed in India, who was here on leave to recruit his health, committed suicide in the hospital by shooting himself. He was suffering from malaria, and his mind was affected. September 3. In conseqiience of a considerable quantity of diseased meat finding its way into the maxket, it has been decided that all meat shall be inspected and branded. A b.ill dealing with the whole question will shortly be introduced. September 4. Island news states that the German cutter Ghost was captured by the natives of Buka Island, one of the Solomon Group under German influence. They surprised the crew while the captain was aloft guiding the vessel among the reefs. They butchered Captain Kolshorn and four of the native crew, two escaping. me schooner was looted and sunk. A cannibalistic feast was held on the bodies of the four natives. BRlfarizVNE, August 31. Mr Wragge predicts stormy, squally, and wet weather and high seas between Sydney and New Zealand. September 3. The return football match between New South Wales and Queensland was drawn, each side scoring three points. PERTH, September 1. A Japanese kitchenman at Kanowna shot and killed a countrywoman and then blew out his own brains. The woman had refused to accompany him to Kalgooiiie. Jealousy is supposed to be the motive of the crime. September 2. Tn the Legislative Assembly Sir J. Forrest announced that he had received a cablegram from the Agent-general stating that the balance of the late loan had been taken up at £94 4s. HOBART, September 2. The Governor has assented to the bill abolishing the tax on cattle and sheep and carcases. September 5. The s.s. Duke of Devonshire arrived from London, and sailed again for New Zealand at 6 this evening.