AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5737, 3 December 1896, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

-• . . [Per Press Association?! TELEGRAPH LINE. " ADELAIDE, Dec 2. The duplicate telegraph line between Adelaide and Perth is now completed. RESULTS OP DROUGHT. BRISBANE, Dec. 2. As one of the many samples of the disastrous results of the drought it is recorded that the stock list of a Bulloo district station has been reduced from 40,000 to 15,000. TRAINING OF SEAMEN. MELBOURNE, Dec 2. Following up a suggestion made by Lord Br,assey some time ago, the Steamship Owners' Association is considering a scheme for training able seamen for the local mercantile marine. The scheme has not been matured yet, but contemplates the reception of two youths on board each of the intercolonial steamers, to be underthe direct control of the captain and officers, and not to be put to menial work. They are to be received for one year, and as there are sixty steamers in the intercolonial trade it is thought that a superior class of seamen will thus be trained, and the status of the craft raised, besides which the foreign element now so prominent might be eliminated. A THREATENED DEADLOCK. MELBOURNE, Dec 3. The Legislative Council has decided to insist on its principal amendments to the Factories Bill, and a deadlock between the two chambers is threatened. MILITARY TOURNAMENT. SYDNEY, Dec. 3. Advices have been received that the War office is prepared to grant £500 towards the expense of sending a New South Wales Iteam of mounted Rifles to compete at a military tournament in England. *