AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 48

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

YOUTH’S FATAL FALL. SYDNEY, August 25. A boyish instinct for adventure caused Stewart Fitzhardinge, aged IG, to build himself a sort of nest-like lied in the fork of a fig tree at Double Bay, to which lie climbed for the first time on Sunday night and slept there. He repeated the act last night, but apparently rolled out during the night and crashed to a

concrete path below, and was killed. Four of his comrades had contemplated making similar beds, but the opinions of all of them have changed now. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BUTTER. FREMANTLE August' 25. The liner Oronsay, for London, lifted the first consignment of 1000 cases of ■Western Australian butter yesterday. Other shipments are to follow. The Orient Company’s officials entertained a large gathering of interested people on board.. The Acting Premier (Mr G. Latham), in a speech, said that the inauguration of butter export was the State’s answer to those who questioned Western Australia’s ability to extend tho dairy industry. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR. SYDNEY, Augusf 25. Scenes of solemnity, marked the closing rally of the Christian Endeavour Convention when the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher, who delivered an address, consecrated a large number of young men and women to the work of this movement. Mr Fletcher described the convention as the greatest held in Australia from the viewpoint of number and spirituality, and said that while he did not wish to appear as a killjoy, he expressed the hope that young people would not allow the vanities of life to spoil the harmony of their -spiritual life. The Rev. Varcoe Cocks, retiring national president, presented to the Rev. Mr Fletcher a bound volume of the convention proceedings. Mr Fletcher inducted the new officers, the Rev. S. E. Dorman, as national president, and the Rev. Varcoe Cocks as deputy president A demonstration by the juniors in the City Hall, preceded by a procession in the city streets, was a notable

gathering, and was marked by stirring addresses and tableaux. A BILL REJECTED. -SYDNEY, August 26. The Legislative Council rejected the Railways and Tramways Staff Adjustments Bill, which restores seniority rights to railway employees who took part in the 1917 strike. MURRAY BREAKS ITS BANKS. ADELAIDE, August 26. The Murray River broke its banks at Wall Flat, inundating the whole of the reclaimed area from 4ft to lift. The settlers had to run for their lives. SOLICITOR STRUCK OFF ROLLS. SYDNEY, August 27. Another prominent city solicitor, Bertram Heavener, has been struck off the rolls for unprofessional conduct in connection with his clients’ funds. DISPUTE AT LITHGOW. SYDNEY, Angust 28. The State coal mine at Lithgow bus closed following a dispute regarding wheelers, who, it is alleged, left their work before the proper time. Seven hundred men are idle. FIRE IN NEWTOWN FACTORY. SYDNEY, August 27. Three girls and five young men were trapped on the second floor of the Briteshine Company’s factory at Newtown, ! when fire destroyed the building. They

attempted to lower themselves by a hoist, but the rope jammed in the block, and they were forced to jump into the street. Several were caught by onlookers. Others were injured and were sent to hospital. DEATHS OF TWO SPINSTERS. SYDNEY, August 28. The Government Analyst reported that the two Geary sisters died from gas poisoning. This report substantiates the police theory that the victims were overcome while asleep by gas escaping from a leaking pipe. A message received on August 21 stated: Lying on a bed in the front room of a cottage at Surry Hills the bodies of two spinster sisters, Gertrude Geary (aged 56) and Elena Geary, were found by the police. The women were last seen alive 13 days ago. FREIGHT ON WOOL TOPS. MELBOURNE, August 28. Overseas shipowners have announced a reduction of freights on wool tops from l|d per lb to 1 3-Sd between Australia and Britain. The reduction represents 8s 4d a bale. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. MELBOURNE, August 28. The municipal elections held throughout the State were remarkable for the defeat of many Labour candidates. In Port Melbourne, which is considered a Labour stronghold, only one of the four Labour candidates was returned.