INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 53

INTERCOLONIAL.

MELBOURNE, March 7. It has bsen found that the cost of floating the steariier Australia would be greater than the cost of building a new vessel. Probably the attempt will be abandoned. , It is stated that the purchasing syndicate Las already cleared £4000. The death is announced of Sir Benjamin Benjamin. He came to the colony in 1843. He was Mayor of Melbourne from 1887 to lbod. * He was knighted in recognition of His services as commissioner for the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition and his hospitalities during the exhibition year. SYDNEY, March 7. Snae gcod photographs of different phases «f the eclipse of the sun were secured. Mr Reid, replying to press criticisms on his attitude in relation, to Socialism and answering the taunt that b/5 was opposed to an unnecessary martyrdom, says :— " I should be simply blind t"o the situation if I did not consider it my highest duty to endeavour to consolidate the forces which are to be arrayed against the Socialistic forces of the Labour party and Labour leagues. I stand at the head of a series of «iisi:nited forces to engage irr deadly political combat a highly organised", highly disciplined, enthusiastic, solid body of opponents. I intend to sail under no false colours. lam just as much against political influence when used by an employers' federation for their own purpose in politics, as I am against Labour leagues who ! attempt to use and influence politics for their own personal ends. I stand for what should be the Democratic ideal, which is to act with fairness and) justness towards every class, and to prevent any one class from asserting a pernicious supremacy over | the legislative and administrative power of the Commonwealth. " Mr Reid says that the time is not ripe for an attack on the Socialist party. He will keep Parliament busy with important non-contentious measures, and meantime preparations for the struggle will be pushed forward. He will submit a straight and fearless manifesto for the general election. BRISBANE, March 7. In consequence of rinderpest, the Government prohibits the importation of stock tides from any place excepting the United i Kingdom. A conference of butter manufacturers decided that the time has arrived to establish | c fortnightly service of refrigerating < steamers to carry butter to London and South Africa at £d per lb. A committee •was appointed to negotiate with the ; Government and shipping companies. I FR-uMANTLE, March 7. The wreck of the Orizaba was sold for 383750, and the balance of the cargo for £500. The Alice, supposed to have been jßX©cked, lias reached port safely.