INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 53

INTERCOLONIAL.

MELBOURNE, February 28.

Mr Watson objects to the extension of the Braddon clause on the grounds that it is undemocratic, and would " nobble " the people for many years ahead). SYD-IN-cx, February 28. Telephonic communication between Melbourne and Sydney was carried out successfully. The work is still in the experimental stage, but it is hoped that it will be shortly available for the public.

The ceremony of investing the Sparrow with a commission under the New Zealand flag took place to-day. The colony's colours were hoisted and saluted, and the vessel formally handed over to Captain Post.

PERTH,. February 28.

During the early part of the month a pearling lugger was wrecked oft Ellen Islands during a cyclone. The captain escaped, but five of the coloured crew were drowned.

French advices from St. Petersburg state that General Linevitch retreated precipitately before superior numbers. The transport of troops to the front is greatly delayed. A brigade which left Odessa in December has only reached Tomsk.

LONDON, February 28,

A Reuter's message says that the Chinese at Niuchwang state that a general engagement is in progress all along the line. The heaviest fighting is on the Japanese right, where General Kuroki is sweeping far to the north, threatening to crumple the Russians back on the railway.

A special force is reported to be moving from the north-east against the Russian railway communication with Vladivostock.

General Kourapatkin reports that the Japanese are continuing to turn both flanks at Tsin-che-shan, especially the left. J'hey are also advancing against Kau-ti-clin, turning the Russians' left flank. All attacks at Tan-gu and the Beyda-ling Pass

were repulsed.

Russia has protested against Japan's persistent violation of China's neutrality, especially in marching through Mongolia to get to the rear of the Russian army west of the railway.

The third Baltic fleet coaled off Cherbourg.

It is reported at Rotterdam tliat the Japanese captured near Formosa two Dutch liners carrying contraband.

moved) an amendment favouring the early denunciation of the Sugar Convention.

Mr Chamberlain defended the r-onven-tion, and said the Opposition was only trying to make political capital out of the subject. It was absolutely irrelevant to the fiscal controveisy. The convention was really an obstacle to his giving moderate prefeienoe to stimulate the production of colonial sugar. He hoped this would be altered when the convention was revised. The debate was adjourned.