AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6052, 14 December 1897, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

♦ United Press Association- By Electric Telegi-iiph— Copyright. Received Dec. 14, 0.20 a.m. AN EXPLOSION. BRISBANE, Dec. 13. The magazine of the United mine at Charters Towers exploded, wrecking the engine-house and a number of houses in the vicinity. The concussion broke the windows of a hundred shops. Fortunately no persons were injured. Received Dec. 13, 11.5 p.m. FEDERATION. SYDNEY, Dec. 13. The Federal Convention at Melbourne will be preceded by the assembling of the Finance Committee of the Convention and the annual conference of Premiers. At the latter there will be an interchange of ideas with regard to their recent visit to England, bearing on the subjects broached by Mr Chamberlain. They also will give consideration to the question of the restriction of alien immigration. Received Dec. 14, 0.20 a.m. THE WRECK OF THE FITZROY. Nc reason has yet been given how the steamer Fitzroy got out of her course into,: the Stockton Bight. No one had the remotest suspicion that the vessel was fire miles off her course. Received Dec. 14, 10.16 a.m. SENTENCE FOR FRAUDS. SYDNEY, Dec. 14. Harry Pilcher, alias the Earl of Hardwicke, has been sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment for jewellery frauds. Several firms refused to prosecute the prisoner. The accused prepared a lengthy statement, to the effect that he was led into the position by people persisting that he was the Earl of Hardwicke travelling under an assumed name. He pleaded to be allowed to pay for the jewellery, and said he would return to England. THE WINDEYER ESTATE. Probate has been granted of the will of Sir William Windeyer. The estate is sworn at under .£12,000. OBITUARY. ADELAIDE, Dec. 14. The death is announced of Mr A. M'Pherson, chairman of the Parliamentary Labour party.