AUSTRALIAN.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13278, 1 December 1911, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN.

[PnESs Association—Copyright.]

Melbourne, Nov 30. In tho inter-State bowling matches Victoria scored 121, and Now South Wales 80.

Mr T. Hunt, Federal Meteorologist, declares that the widespread belief that the present Australian prosperity is due to exceptional rainfal, and that droughty years are certain to follow-, is not correct. Ho points out that since 1902 the rainfall has been below the average;, but farmers have benefited by the mistakes of the pioneers, and tho capabilities of the soil are better understood. The adoption of dry farming and drought resisting wheat had given payable crops in spit© of a poor rainfall. The bettei control of the rabbit pest, the conservation of water and fodder, and tho tapping of the "artesian basin ]jad also holped; and prosperity should be an incentive to greater energy. A strange occurrenco is reported from Cnrdie's River (Inlet). Tho water became white with froth, which afterwards turned into green slime. Fish •died, and cattle refused to drink. It it supposed that the phenomenon is the result of volcanic disturbance, at a similar change in the water was recorded 20 years ago.

The weather is extremely hot, registering 107 degrees in the shado in the city.

Sydney, Nov 30.

A sensational case of daylight robbery has occurred at Brookvale, ten milos from Sydney. A resident was bailed up by >i masked man armed with a Kirn. The resident attempted flight, but was struck on the head with tho gun and robbed. The highwaymr,:! escaped.

Didc Arnst will participate in the forthcoming six days' cycling race.