Australian Telegrams.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11646, 30 March 1901, Page 3

Australian Telegrams.

United Pteas As6oc>»tion. — By Klcctr ; c Teleerarb. — Copyrieht. Heceivod March 30, 12.45 a.m. Melbourne, March 29. It is practically proved that the body "washed ashore at Gabo Island is not that ■of the captain of the Hawaiian Isles, though nothing yet has been heard of that vessel. The steamer Stagliaferro \ has been despatched in search of the Federal. Sydney, March 29. The morning papers make a strong appeal to the electors in favour of freetrade, and express a hope that the policy will be successful as far as New South Wales is concerned. Mr Reid at last night's demonstration confidently predicted success. At r the same time the Bartonians express almost equal confidence. A forecast from Perth, points to a majority for Freetraders in both Houses. A Protectionists' majority is assured in Victoria, though Freetraders expect to win the last three seats for tho House, and a couple in the Senate. In the other States the issue is less clearly cut, and bard to forecast. Received March 30, 9.28 a.m. Sydney, March 30. A daring robbery has been committed at the Hotel Australia. Two lady guests were robbed of jewellery valued at £1000 and £^D 0 respectively. The thieves used duplicate keys to the rooms during the ladies' absence. GreenfelL for the bank robbery at Woodfall, was sentenced io eighteen months' hard labour. Beceivcd March 30, 11.35 a.m. t Melbourne, March 30. The Rev. Fraser has forwarded from the New Hebrides to the Committee of the New Hebrides Mission Sytiod a petition from the natives of the Island of Epir to tbe King, asking Great Britain to annex the Island. The petitioners state: — " There are many white men coming to the New Hebrides, and at the hands of some of these, mostly Frenchmen, wo have suffered cruel wrongs. Some have forcibly possessed themselves of our lands, burnt down our homes, sh )t our pig?, and harassed us in other ways. We wish to live in peace, but at present we have no protection from such injuries. Many of U3 know tho English language, and appreciate and cling to the blessing of the Gospel and civilisation, which come to us through men of your nation. We also feel that the conduct of the British race is more just and humane towards black rices than that of other white men. Therefore we earnestly teseech Your Majesty to take us under your protection, aud that our Islands be annexed io ihe British Empire." Mr Fraser says tho petition simply voices the feelings of the natives throughout the whole group, and that surely such a call fcr protection cannot be lightly laid aside by the British nation.