AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5687, 5 October 1896, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

9 [Per Press Association.! BF.UNNEE RELIEF FUND. MELBOURNE, Oct. 3. The Brunner Relief Fund has closed with a total of .£1414. TASMANIAN TIMBER. HOBART, Oct. 3. The Premier has received advice from the Commissioner of Railways of Cape Colony that he is prepared to take from 100,000 ft to 200,0001't of Tasmanian timber delivered at Algoa Bay not later than January. It is believed that there is every prospect of a remunerative market there. RATES OF FREIGHT. SYDNEY, Oct. 3. Shippers are taking steps to combine, in order to secure a reduction in freights to West Australia, as the present high rates are hampering trade. Incidentally it is mentioned that New Zealand is becoming a powerful competitor with Melbourne and Adelaide in the matter of produce shipments. SENTENCED TO DEATH. Both the Dederers have been sentenced to death for the murder of an Indian hawker at Baggabri. John confessed to a clergyman that William was not the actual murderer, and the jury brought in a recommendation to mercy in William's case. ALLEGED SEDITION. Oct. 4. The proprietor, editor and printer of Truth have been committed for trial on a charge of alleged sedition. OBITUARY. BRISBANE, Oct. 51 The Benmore, from Port Chalmers, reports that Captain Scott died after a short illness. WESTRALIAN REVENUE. . PERTH, Oct. 5. The revenue for the year ended September showed an increase of -£985.000 as compared with the corresponding previous twelve months. The chief increases are Customs .£335,000, and railways .£250,000.