INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2493, 25 December 1901, Page 15

INTERCOLONIAL.

Mi^iiBOURNE, December 17. It is understood that the trouble in connection with breaking the customs seals on the stores of the Luitpold has been arranged. The agents of the vessel have given a guarantee to pay duty on all goods used both in and between the ports after the customs .seals are broken. December 18. The Melbourne Cricket Club Committee has resolved that unless steps" are taken to prevent «uch an exhibition of betting as marked the Austral Wheel meeting the grounds will not be let again for such a purpose. The Federal Cabinet has authorised Mr Drake to enter into negotiations with the Eastern Extension Company with a view to arranging a satisfactory agreement in regard to the Cape cable supplying the whole of the Commonwealth. December 19. The Postal Department has announced that as the Cook Islands have been annexed to New Zealand the postal matter now sent to the islands will be at the s-ame rales as those to New Zealand. j\ii" Drake (Postmaster-general) has accepted the tender of the Bee'stonHumber agency for a supply of bicycles for postal-telegraphic purposes to the Postal Department' throughout the Commonwealth for a term of five years. December 20. A representative meeting discussed a proposed memorial to the late Rev. James Chalmers. It was suggested that it take the form of a mission steamer for the New Guinea rivers ?nd the evangelisation of the. district where Mr Chalmers was murdered. SYDNEY, December 17. Arthur Smythe, a cyclisi, paced by a motor tandem, did three-quarters of a mile in lmin 17sec and one mile in lmin 43 3-sspc, constituting amateur records. December 19. Thirty lads employed as city street sweepers have struck for increased wages. Electric tram lines have been opened for traffic in Pitt and Castlereagh streets. There are now lines along the four main arteries of the city. The additions aggravate the already badly congested vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Three other men have been committed for trial in connection with the theft of Hordern's Retford Park stock. Decembei 20. Campbell, found guilty of brutal assaults on young children, was executed this morning, death being instantaneous. Campbell left a statement confessing that he had committed both outrages of which he had been found guilty. Parliament worked at high pressixre in order to put the final touches to a number of bills, including Treasury, Deficiency, Coal Mines Regulation Amendment, and Tick Bills. The last-named is intended to prevent the soread of tick

| from Queensland. Parliament has now I adjourned. Philippine news states that tne Americans are actively conducting a campaign against the guerillas, and harrying Samar Island, in retaliation for the recent massacre of a company of American infantry. They have also captured the insurgents' ammunition factory. Mr See moved a series of resolutions in the Assembly asking the Federal Government to express an opinion on the various areas under offer, with a view to accelerating the selection of a =ite for the Federal capital. The Assembly having aired their grievance^ over the delay that had occurred in connection with the matter, the resolutions were dropped. December 22. The only plague patient has recovered and has beea discharged. ADELAIDE, December 18. The Council has decided not to insist on its amendments in the Constitution Bill. This means that two Ministers, 12 members of the Assembly, and six Councillors will be cut off the strength of the parliamentary establishment after the next general election.. Decembei" 21. The directors of the Moonta Wallaroo mines have informed the employees that unless the price of copper very materially increases it will bo necessary to withdraw the 10 per cent, increase in wages given a conple of years ago conditional on the price remaining abore £60 per ton. PERTH, December 17. A caucus of the Ministerial party was called to di'ciivs the political situation. .Several proposals were discussed with a view to overcoming the difficulty, including a suggested coalition, but nothing definite was done. It is understood that Mr Morgans will consult the Governor. An Opposition caucus was also held. December IS. In the Assembly Mr Morgans announced that he had decided to ask for a dissolution, and moved the adjournment of the House till January 7. The Opposition opposed a long adjournment, and Mr Illingworth moved that the adjournment be only till the following day. Mr Illingworth's amendment was carried on the casting vote of the Sneaker. BRISBANE, December 17. The weather is extremely hot. At a number of stations the thermometer registered 114 to 125 degrees in the shade. | December 18. Intense heat prevails in the interior. Destructive bu<-h fires are raging in several district. December" 21. The Mount Morgan mine half-yearly report shows th.it 111,181 tons of ore were treated, which yielded gold valued at £314,778. Nearly £117,000 were paid in dividend*. December 22. The steamer Duke of Devonshire, bound from London to Brisbane, with 46 passengers and 4000 tons of cargo, went aground on the Hunter Reef, near Hannibal Island, Torres Strait, last Sunday. Assistance has been sent to the vessel, which was in charge of a pilot. It is believed the steamer Penarth, from Westport, is standing by. The point where the vessel struck "is five miles out of the usual course.