AUSTRALIAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7309, 19 June 1895, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association— Electric Telegraph— Copy tight

SYDNEI, June 19.

Crowds of grasshoppers are eating what little grass is left in the northern part of New Caledonia, where not a drop of rain has fallen for six weeks. The report on the Custom's Duties Bill has been adopted. The debate on the second reading of the Land Tax Bill is proceeding.

MELBOURNE, June 19.

In the Assembly Mr Tucker, Chairman of the Tariff Board, states that the result of exhaustive enquiries showed him that big duties resulted in sweating, low wages and disaster. In connection with the Colonial Bank of Australia scheme as eventually adopted, it is stipulated that of the earnings 3 per . cent, be paid depositors during the five-year period, but 2J per cent, for certain. Several civil servants whom the Retirement Bill would have affected are willing to accept equivalent compensation. The Premier declines to accept this, as it would mean too heavy a charge on the State. Those nob desiring to return to service will be granted six months' leave on full pay, but no more. Fourteen officers in the Education Department have accepted this offer.

BRISBANE, June 19.

A French steamer has arrived 'at Cooktown . with 150 Tonquineae laborers for Noumea.