AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6074, 11 January 1898, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

-•— United Press Association— By Electric TelegraphCopyright. Eeceived Jan. 10, 9.58 p.m. THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON. SYDNEY, Jan. 10. H.M.S. Royal Arthur, with Admiral Pearson on board, arrived to-day. Admiral Bridge, having been relieved, sailed in the Orlando this evening for Portsmouth. Eeceived Jan. 11, 9.58 a.m. PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD. SYDNEY, Jan. 11. . The annual report of the Public Service Board states that the reorganisation of the departments has resulted in a large annual saving, and at the same time has increased the efficiency of the service. The Superannuation Fund is rapidly being depleted, the balance to credit of the fund being £433,000. The estimated annual receipts are £27,000, and the annual payments £97,000. NAUTICAL INQUIRY. The Marine Board found that the Princess' and Cammeray collision was caused by the wrongful act or default of both captains, and severely reprimanded each. THE FEDERAL CONVENTION. MELBOURNE, Jan. 11. A number of the visiting Federal delegates have asked the Premier to curtail the festivities, in order to get through the work. Sir G. Turner considers a month of day sittings will finish the business of the Convention. ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION. In reply to a communication from Mr Chamberlain, Sir G. Turner stated that he did not feel justified in asking Parliament to contribute towards the proposed Royal Geographical Society's antarctic expedition, as he fails to see what advantage the colony would gain.