Australian

Southland Times, Issue 11673, 2 March 1891, Page 2

Australian

MELBOURNE, Feb. 28. The Miners' Conference lias agreed to the constitution of the Chief Council, hut objects to an effort being made to obtain the eight hours system, holding that it would be better to secure political representation, protection of life and other benefits. The (Jtway Platinum Company has received a cable message to the effect that the consignment of platinum ore sent to England is valueless. The news has caused great excitement among the shareholders. SYDNEY. Fkb. 28. At the sitting of the Postal Conference yesterday .Mr Duffy, the Victorian Post-master-<iuneral, favoured the carrying of bonajitfa newspapers free of postage. The President infonued Mr Ward, the New Zealand delegate, that the clause in the Eastern Extension Co. \s agreement prohibiting any arrangement with other Companies had been struck out, and the agreement, would only be made for one year. Mr Ward replied that under these circumstances he felt prepared to pay the cable guarantee for one year, and would consu't hia colleagues. The necessary motion binding the colonies to join the Postal Union if granted adequate representation, and if no reduction is made in maritime transit rates without the consent of the countries affected, were carried. Experiments are being carried on to ascertain whether tuberculosis is communicable f loin one animal to another. The only toast at the Federation banquet beyond that of Royalty will be " One People, One Destiny." This will be proposed by Sir H. Parkes, and responded to by the Premiers of the Australian colonies. It is not unlikely that if Sir Geo. Grey had been piesent he would have been asked alone to respond. BRISBANE, Fkr. 28. There is no change in the position of affairs at Clermont. The men say that even though beaten in this tight they will stick to the principle at stake — the recognition of Unionism — and if necessary die for it. Shearing is proceeding satisfactorily with free labour. It is expected that a general call out will be made on Monday at all the stations on account of their employing Chinese cooks I and gardeners, but it is not thought that all will respond. It is rumoured thut the Rockhampton wharf labourers and seamen will be called upon to block non-Union wool.