AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 38, 29 September 1911, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

METHODIST CHURCH BILL. Adelaide, Septetmbcr 23. In the , Assembly, the Methodist Church Bill, providing for the separation of the New Zealand Conference, passed all its stages. TIMELY RAIN. Sydney, September 23. Rain has fallen over the greater part of tho wheat belt, and will prove of great service to many of the growing crops, which were threatened with failure. EXCHANGE OF MILITARY OFFICERS. Melbourne, September 28. Tho Federal Government has agreed to the suggestion made by tho New Zealand Government that military officers be exchanged, but in view of the difficulties confronting tho Defence Department in connection with introducing the now defence scheme, they suggest that tho system should not commence until tho end of 1912. RICH GOLD FIND. Sydney, September 29. Rich wash, yielding live ounces to the load, has been struck at Tophir Creek, near Orange, where Hargreaves made his first discovery of gold. ANGLICAN CONFERENCE. Sydney, September 29. Tho Anglican Conference has adopted an ordinance for the appointment of honorary canons. WOOL FREIGHTS INCREASED. (Received 29, 9.5 a.m.) Sydney. September 29. The overseas shipping companies have decided to increase from next week the freights on greasy wool, from five-eighths to eleven-sixteenths of a penny, and scoured from throe farthings to thirteen-sixteenths. Tallow and hides will bo increased half a crown per ton. Tho advances 'are duo to the recent increases in waterside workers’ wages and other charges. CRICKETER RETIRES. Sydney, September 29. Mackay, the well-known batsman, is retiring from first-class cricket. He met with an accident some time ago which seriously affected his eyesight. BENDIGO CLOLID-BURST. Melbourne, 'September 29. Debris from tho wrecked buildings at Bendigo was carried two miles. Lumps of ice the size of a man’s fist fell, covering the country like snow. PHENOMENAL HAILSTORM. Melbourne, September 29. A phenomenal hailstorm at Williamstown and Footscray did much damage, Hooding shops and factories. (Received 29, 9.5 a.m.) Sydney, Scptemcbr 29. The City Council is calling for tenders for the connection of a portion of Victoria markets into a theatre.