INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 49

INTERCOLONIAL.

MELBOURNE, March 28.

An outbreak of fire in a clothing factory in Flinders street jeopardised the lives of 16 work girls. The manager succeeded in getting the girls from the top storeys to the first floor, and thence had to push them from a window into the street, where they were caught in blankets. All were rescued uninjured.

SYDNEY, March 28. The Marjorie, which went ashore off Cronulla, was floated off safely.

The hull of the Albany is insured in Adelaide offices, half the amount being held by the South British. The cargo is insured in local offices, and aggregates £10,000.

A deputation representing the liquor trade submitted their views of the new Licensing Bill to the Chief Secretary. They asked that hotels be opened at stated hours on Sundays, and complained of the unfair competition of clubs. They asked that permission be given to supply liquor on a doctor's prescription, and that heavier fines should b.s inflicted on the buyer than on the seller within prohibited hours.

The Minister, replying, said he would do nothing which would tend to increase work on Sundays. He was in sympathy with regard to the better regulation of clubs. He was afraid of the doctor's prescription proposal. He couldi see no force in making the fine on a buyer heavier than on the seller.

BRISBANE, March 28

Owing to the de-ngue fever epidemic the courts have suspended their sittings and the theatres have closed. Many businesses are in a sorry plight owing to the sickness of th-e employees. NOUMEA, March 28.

The Pilbarra was picked up by the Induna 80 miles north of New Caledonia on the 17th inst., and towed to Vila on 'the 21st. All aboard are well. The horses andi sheep forming the deck cargo are in good condition. The passengers and cargo. Trill be transferred to the steamer Warrego.