AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1276, 15 March 1918, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

QUEENSLAND CYCLONE. By Cable. — Press Association. — Copyright, BRISBANE, March 14. Latest advices relating to the Innisfail disaster state that 15 persons were killed andJIOO injured. The Goondi sugar mill was levelled and the pilot station demolished. SUGAR CROP"DAMAGED. (Roc. Mar. 15, 9.40) BRISBANE, Mar. 15. The estimated damage to the sugar crop at Innisfail is £450,000. The flood at Halifax was the highest on record. Large quantities of sugar stored at Babina have been damaged. OPIUM SMUGGLING. SYDNEY, March 14. Acting on information that it was intended to smuggle opium from a vessel in Mort’s Dock, two hidden Eolicemen saw tw y o men land two eavy bags, supposedly containing £3OOO worth of opium, and convey them to a waiting motor car, which immediately started off. The police attempted to stop the men, and emptied their revolvers at the flying car. Other policemen stationed farther along made similar unavailing efforts. Later the car, with four bullet holes in various parts, was found abandoned, but there was no trace of the opium. TWO ARRESTS MADE. (Rec. March 15, 9.40) SYDNEY, March 15. Two arrests have been made in connection with the opium smuggling case. ARBITRATION AMENDMENT. (Roc. March 15, 9.40) SYDNEY. March 15. The Legislative Council has passed the Arbitration Amendment Bill. assemblyTdjourns. (Rcc. March 15, 9.40) SYDNEY, March 15. The Assembly has adjourned till Tuesday next to enable the Governor to consult with the leading members. SHIPPING REQUISITIONED. (Rec. Mar. 15, 9.40) MELBOURNE, Mar. 15. Mr W, M. Hughes has announced that the Government is requisitioning all coastal shipping, which is to be run as one concern under the direction of the Controller of Shipping. A regulation empowers the Federal Government to requisition any prescribed goods.