Australian.

Southland Times, Issue 14788, 3 November 1900, Page 3

Australian.

TIPS IN A TRADE INVOLVING LIFE AND PROPERTY. A COLONIAL COMMITTEE ABOVE THE IMPERIAL SECRETS ACT. WHY COOK ISLANDS WANT TO N.Z« FINE ALLUVIAL DIGGINGS IN QUEENSLAND. VICTORIAN ELECTIONS : POSITION OF PARTIES : AN OLD GIANT FORFEITS HIS POSITSYDNEY, Nov. 2. The Pacific Cable Bill passed through the Legislative Council Committee unamended. The report of the Public Service Board, dealing with the Marine Department, disclosed the fact that a system of tips to surveyors and sea pilots have been in operation for many years. The report strongly condemns this, but, at present, it is not desired to proceed further, as to do so would mean the displacing of many able officers. The Assembly, after several applications of the cloture, carried a motion that the question put to the Commandant with reference to the quantity of small arms and ammunition in the colony was lawful and proper, and should be answered if he was directed by the Minister of Defence to do so. Mr Chamberlain, in replying to Premier Lyne's inquiries in reference to N.Z.s annexation of the Cook Islands, says the islands are regarded as being different from Fiji, being under the control practically, and depending on N. Z. for some time. Premier Lyne regards the message as a ratification of the annexation. BRISBANE, Nov. 2. Rich alluvial gold has been struck near Olermont, yielding up to 10 ounces to the load. : MELBOURNE, Nov. 2. The Age says the new House will consist? Xrf 44 Ministerialists and 51 Oppositionists.jr^The Argus puts the

numbers at 45 Ministerialists, 48 Op position and two Independent. Fiv< candidates, including Sir Bryai O'Loughlin, forfeited their deposits The labour party gained two or threi seats, and 14-new and four ex-memben were returned. Premier McLear „ claims that each side has 46. He hai declared his intention of meeting th( House. The returns are practicallj complete. Mr Thos. Bent, one time Speaker, re-enters Parliament foi Brighton.