INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 22

INTERCOLONIAL.

MELBOURNE, August 5. An ingenious gang of coiners is operating here. They have made florins which, except for their lightness, require the minutest examination before one is able to detect that they are not genuine. Sir G. H. Reid will leave London in September on a visit to Australia. August 6. As a result of the recent cafe raids two more fines of £25 each for selling liquor without licenses were imposed. In connection with the insolvency proceedings against George Gray, the billiardist, the Court declared that rhe agreement between him and his father was not a fraudulent one. The Postmaster-general (the Hon. Agar Wynne), having been accused of using his racing colours for the new postage stamps, has pointed out that the Berne Postal Conference settled all designs, therefore lie (Mr Wynne) had no control over the matter. August 11. While the steamer Eumeralla was off Warrnambool a big wave broke aboard, and dashed a man named Mahoney, his wife, and her sister against a winch. Mahoney was killed, and the others badly in hired. SYDNEY, August 5. In connection with the cases of robbery and sticking up, in which Lawrence and Roy Cox were concerned, the former has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for breaking and entering, 10 years for robbery with violence, and 14 years penal servitude for sticking up and wounding, the sentences to be concurrent. Cox has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on each of three charges. The Cabinet has decided to adopt a scheme for the erection of grain elevators in the main exporting centres. It will also provide for the storage of wheat at tlie railway depots. Lady Lyno has declined a State funeral for her husband. With the advent of the steamer Riverina Messrs Huddart, Parker, and Co. intend to inaugurate the carrying of third-class passengers to New Zealand. August 6. The Assembly rejected Mr Wade’s v.ant-of-confidcnce motion by 40 to 35. Mr Willis and another member did not veto. There was a large and representative gathering, including all State Ministers, at Sir W. J. Lyne’s funeral. The Assembly, after many appreciative references, adopted a resolution of sympathy with Lady Lyne. The North Sydney Municipal Council has decided to stop football and other sports in the parks on Sundays. There is a cold snap, with snow and heavy frosts in the high lands. The bulk of the men recently suspended at the Cockatoo dock have been reemployed. August 7. Island news states that the wireless elation at Apia (Samoa) is expected to be

working this month. The range will probably be 2000 miles.

August 8. At the end of last year there were 3989 factories in the metropolitan district employing 87,667 hands, an increase of 146 factories and of 4162 hands for the year. The Labour Council has adopted a resolution deploring the Federal Government’s action in abolishing preference to unionists. At the end of 1912 the number of ewes in New South Wales totalled 19,038,000 — a decline of 1,685,000 as compared with 1911. The probable markings of lambs are estimated at 7,4Bl,ooo—equal to 65 per cent., and 3,385,000 above the 1911 estimate. August 9. Walter Merrifield was committed for trial at Newcastle on a charge of murdering his partner, Clarence Kelford, who was killed through an explosion of gelignite in the room where he was sleeping. Merrifield told the police that he caused the explosion with the object of frightening Kefford, believing that he was absent from the room. BRISBANE, August 8. The number of cattle in the State at the end of last year was 5,210,891 (an increase of 137,660), horses 674,573 (an increase of 55.619), and sheep 20,310,036 (a decrease of 430,945).

PERTH, August 11. James O’Brien has been committed for trial on a charge of murdering Hansen. He told the police that Hansen stole some of his belongings, and that he went to get them back. A struggle ensued, during which Hansen seized the muzzle of the gun, and it went off. PORT DARWIN, August 7 The Railways Commision have returned from a tour of the country between the Roper river and Pine creek. They report that there is an enormous area available for sheep and healthy for residence. With railways the future of the country is practically assured. HOBART, August 11. The barque Zephyr, timber laden, on route from Wallaroo, was wrecked in heavy weather on Maria Island The crew of seven landed safely.