AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 28, 16 January 1912, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE. (Received 16, 10.35 a.iii.) Sydney, January 16. The Premiers’"Conference opens tomorrow. Important -matters concerning the relations of the States to the Commonwealth ; wiU be discussed. GOOD COAL SEAM FOUND. *‘ (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Melbourne, January 16. A three and a half feet seam of coal has been discovered at.Wonfchhggi, at a depth of a thousand feet. ESPIONAGE ? (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 16. It is noticeable that vniters from the Japanese warships are purchasing maps of Sydney, ex tens vely. NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.). » Adelaide, January 16. The Vice-Regal residence at Marble Hill narrowly- escaped destruction. A bush fire spread from an adjoining property. When at its height the English cricketers, with Lord Richard Nevill, who had invited them to dine with the Vice-Regal party, dashed through the flames and rendered excellent ass: stance. ' f 1 ’ HEAT AND BUSH FIRES. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Melbourne, January 16. There are serious bush fires in various parts. The sixty thousand acres Whelra State forest was swept, and myriads of rabbits were destroyed. The town of Daylston was saved by great efforts. SHEARERS’ TEST CASE. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Melbourne, January 16. A shearer at Warrnambool was awarded five pounds damages because he, was paid off for refusing to shear wet sheep. The case is a test one. TATHEA WRECK. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 16. Amongst the ’ missing is a familynamed St. Martin, including husband, wife, and child; a French Sister of Mercy, and sixteen natives. Wilcox was formerly secretary of the Sydney Cooks and Stewards’ Union. Jxer was a trader living at Aoba. The Tathra was engaged in the inter-island trade. THE WILLIS ENQUIRY. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 16. The enquiry into the Willis charges against Robinson has been completed. The Commissioner will report to the Government. BUILDING IN SYDNEY. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 16. Last year 6752 now buildings wore completed in Sydney and suburbs, of a value of £3,825,000.; The residential flat system is rapidly growing, a number of additional large flat buildings being erected. SHIPPING CONGESTION. (Received 16, 9.50 a.m.) Sydney, January 16. The interim report of the Commis-

sioner enquiring into congestion at Darling Harbour finds that adequate provision lias not been made for the handling of outward merchandise, and the necessary labour for landing was not provided.