AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 288, 6 December 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION. Sydney, December 5. The inquest on the victims of the explosion at Burwood colliery resulted in a verdict that the accident was the result of neglect by Examining Deputy Selby, for whose arrest a warrant has been issued.

Tho Arbitration Bill has received the Royal assent Judge Oohen has been appointed Prrsident of the Court. Mr B. R. Wise, Attorney-General, visits New Zealand this month, and prot ably Judge Cohen will accompany bim. They will confer with New Zealand officials as regard regulations required. Owing to a fall in price of lead notice has been posted in Block 10 mine, Broken Hill, that wages will be reduced 10 per cent, on Ist January, the reduction not to apply to wages of 78 a day and under, and the old rate toj be restored, when lead touches Xl 3. !

Referring to Mr Sprfckels proposal to approach the Commonwealth, the Telegraph says in one respect Australia will bettor by New Zealand's refusal to pay £25,000 a year. The steamers will hive to run in order to obtain the American subsidy. It is almost a case of taking what Australia will give or go without a colonial subsidy. Unless the service presen's the attraction of rare cheapness there is not much hope for the Queensland scheme. The Vancouver lino has an advantage in being British, and it might suit the Commonwealth, with the ooperation of New Zealand, to subsidise it in preference to the 'Frisco service. Adelaide, D icemher 5.

The Legislative Council has passed a motion requesting the Government to communicate with the Imperial authorities to secure the transfer of the Northern Territory to the Commonwfalth on condition that the liabilities incurred by South Australia are paid by the Commonwealth, that the boundary of the State be extended north to the 17th paralM: and that the eimp'etion of a trans-continental railway within a definite period be agreed upon.

Brisbane, December 5,

The Special Agricultural Homesteads Bill has passed the committee stage. It is designed to permit a number of Bessarabian farmers to take up land, somewhat on the lines of village S9ttlfment. Melbourne, December 5. Mr William O'brien, the Irißh member, has arrived on a visit. Fbemantle, December 5. Bishop Stuart, leader of the Anglican mission to Persia, has arrived by the Victoria.