A BOX OF GOLD STOLEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2363, 8 June 1899, Page 17

A BOX OF GOLD STOLEN.

TAKEN FROM THE ALAMEDA.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4.

The San Francisco police believe that a missing box of sovereigns from the Alameda was stolen at Sydney.

SYDNEY, June 5.

With reference to a cable from New Zealand stating that £5000 was missing from the strong room of the Alameda on her last trip, it is understood that the police received certain information, but- will not divulge the nature thereof. It is rumoured that the theft was committed in Sydney.

There are no grounds for supposing that the gold was stolen before the Alameda left Sydney. The police are inquiring as to the whereabouts of one or two clever criminals who were released from gaol about the time the vessel left, and who have not been seen about their accustomed haunts.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

SYDNEY, May 31.

Mr Lyne has opened his anti-Federal campaign. He denounced the Federal Bill, strongly objecting to equal Sf-ate representation, and declaring that the proposed Federal tariff was an impossible one.

BRISBANE, May 31.

In the Assembly, in Committee on the Federal Enabling Bill, Mr Curtis raised the separation question, and moved an amendment that on this question at the same _time as the Federal Referendum a ballot be taken asking the electors whether they were in favour of Queensland entering the federation as three States.

HOBART, May 31

Acting-Governor Dodds, in his speech, hoped that some reduction would be made in the general taxation, and that increased remuneration would be given to civil servants. He also referred to federation as being within measurable distance of attainment, and foreshadowed a new Electoral Act based on the Hare system.