AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 14, 29 December 1911, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BAD BUSH FIRES. (Received 29, 9.10 a.m.) 1 Sydney, December 29. Bush fires are raging in the Glen Tunes district. A big sawmill, and also a residence adjoining the town, were destroyed. Brisbane, December 29. The worst bush fires experienced in the Crows district are raging. The damage to fences alone is over £IOOO, and a number of huts and sheds have also been burned. G OVERNOR-G ENERAL’ S RESIDENCE. (Received 29, 9.10 a.m.) Sydney, December 29. Cabinet docs not approve Mr. McGowen’s suggestion to allow the Gov-ernor-General to return to Government House, and has decided to adhere to its former decision.

BIG FIRE AT BOTANY

(Received 29, 9.10 a.m.) Sydney, December 29

At midnight a fire in Elliott and Company’s, wool scourers, Botany, destroyed the washing house, engineshed, and wool loft. A large quantity of wool was damaged. The damage is estimated at £15,000, which is covered bv insurance. l

GRATITUDE TO MELBA

Sydney, December 28

At the Town Hall the Lord Mayor presented Madame Melba with a golden loving cup and a salver from the citizens of Sydney, to record their gratitude for her patriotic services for th.e advancement of Australian musical culture.

RAILWAY FREIGHTS REDUCED

Melbourne, December 2S

T 1 ie Railway Commissioners have announced reductions in freights mainly in favour of agriculture and industries situated at a long distance from the ports aggregating over £75.000.