AUSTRALIAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5168, 29 January 1895, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

[Special to Press Association.] RETRENCHMENT. SYDNEST, Jan. 29. The Hon Mr Toung is reorganising the Public Works Department, with the view i of dispensing with unnecessary officials. > Several highly-paid officers are affected. i FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. I A destructive flood occurred at Bingara, 350 miles north-west of Sydney. The bank of the creek collapsed and forced the water into the township, where a large number of houseß were flooded, and eeveral families were rescued with difficulty by means of boats. Many houses were considerably damaged, while great destruction resulted to property of all descriptions. The farmers ara heavy losers, a wide area of crops being submerged. The water Ib now subsiding. THE ARGUS ON NEW ZEALANIi. MELBOURNE, Jan. 29. The Argus, referring to the uneaaineasin London regarding the alleged deficit in j New Zealand, says that it is not surprised at the deficit shown, as trade in New Zealand has, owing to the fall in prices, undergone contraction during the 'last two years, and a flourishing revenue is compatible only with good trade. Tho most serious cause for complaint with : regard to New Zealand finance is that after some kind of pledge had been given that there should be no further borrowing for a considerable time, the publio debt con- i tinued to increase. It is very possible, it | says, that there is sound justification for > expenditure on public works, which has augmented the publio indebtedness, but it I would certainly form a etrong reason for ; candour. THE AGE AND VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS. The Age, dealing with village settlements, recommends following the example of New' Zealand in the compulsory purchase of good, suitable land near the railway line. ; ANOTHER GOLD DISCOVERT. A discovery of golden sandstone has been made at Gippsland, and over £2000 worth of gold has already been obtained. The important feature is that the gold is found in the formation known as the Upper Devonian,' hitherto pronounced by all geologists as non-auriferous. FEDERATION LEAGUE. ADELAIDE, Jan. 28. At a meeting of representatives of leading political and commercial associations, a Federation League for South Australia was inaugurated on similar lines to those of New South Wale 3 and Victoria. THE PREMIERS* CONFERENCE* HOBART, Jan. 29. At an informal meeting of Premiers, the questions to be dealt with at the conference were touched upon. They include federation. Customs union, silver coinage, amalgamation of defence forces, a, Japanese treaty and uniform shipping laws. '" THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS. BRISBANE, Jam. 29. The weather is clearing and tho floods are subsiding. I