AUSTRALIAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10449, 30 August 1905, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

(Press Assn. — By Telegraph — Copyright.)

SYDNEY, August 29. An importaut development iu connection with the oversea . trade from Australia is announced, the Bucknell line having joined forces with the Federal, Houlder and Shire lines. The combine has been effected to meet the demand for export of the approaching wool season. The Assembly appointed u- select committee to inquire into a statement made publicly by the. Rev. Woolls-Rut ledge that Mi* Hall, acting statistician, was unable to obtain re-employment in the public service uutil he joined the Catholic Church ; that immediately upon his doing so he waa re-employed at a salary of £1000 a year.

The s.k. Burgomeister Haekmanu resumed her voyage to Auckland to-day. The, extradition of Willis has been applied for at Durban. The Liquor Bill introduced into the Assembly to-night prevents the opening of further hotels, the number now m the Stale to be the maximum. A local option A-otc is to be taken every general election, fclio questions to be asked to be continuation of existing licences, reduction and no-license. A bare majority Avill secure continuation or reduction, bub two-thirds is required for no-license. Half the elect6rsj must vote to make the polls effective, jjfo money compensation is allowed, but time by notice ia giA"en, ranging from six months to lavo years. The Bill proA'ides for registration of clubs, and prohibit, barmaids under the age of 21.

The New Zealand liorses aro acquitting themselves avcll in their gallops at Rand! wick.

(Received August 30. 10.23 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 30. The Auditor-General's report-, after showing an increase i n tlie amount paid on old age pensions states that official experience does-,not confirm the anticipation that there would be a. decrease in expenditure on benevolent asylums and adult poor relief. In fact the expenditure in tliese directions has increased.

BRISBANE, August 29. Two brothers named Stephens quarrelled ut breakfast. Herbert picked up a shot gun aud 'fired at Ralph at five A-ards, killing him instantly.