AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6064, 30 December 1897, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

J B United Press A-ssociation— Electric TelegraphCopyright." 0 Received Dec. 29, 10.35 p.m. s SIR WILLIAM MACGREGOR. 3 BRISBANE, Dec. 29. In connection with the rumour that hi has been offered the Governorship of th< Gold Coast colony, Sir William Macgrego states that he has heard nothing of thi matter. INTENSE HEAT. SYDNEY, Dec. 29. The heat over all Riverina is terrific Sydney is comparatively cool, but Adelaidi reports state that the thermometer ther< records 110 in the shade. Several Vie torian stations report a temperature o: 115. Received Dec. 29, 10. ?5 p.m. , WOMEN DOCTORS, s The Sydney Hospital, having a numbei of vacancies on the staff, decided againsl lady doctors obtaining positions. Received Dec. 29, 11 p.m. CAPTAIN RUSSELL INTERVIEWED. Captain Russell, in the course of an interview, expressed entire belief in a policy of freetrade. The protective duties of New Zealand hampered trade, and were very prejudicial to the best interests of the colony. A policy of freetrade, given effect to from time to time as circumstances permitted, wonld be the best policy for New Zealand; and he believed thafc it would lead to a very large trade between New South Wales and New Zealand. Received Dec. 30, 9.40 a.m. FEDERAL FINANCE. MELBOURNE, Dec. 30. At the suggestion of the New South Wales Premier, arrangements have been made for assembling the Finance Committee of the Federal Convention to consider Federal finance. Received Dec. 30, 10.10 a.m. A STICKING-UP CASE. COOLGARDIE, Dec. 30. Late last night two ladies and two gentlemen connected with a local restaurant were going home with the day's takings, and were stuck up by two armed men at the corner of one of the main streets. The men fired four shots, and two took effect on Mr Mayberry, one of the gentlemen, who is in a dangerous condition. The assailants decamped.