AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6344, 25 November 1898, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. PROJECTED STEAMSHIP SERVICE. SYDNEY, Nov. 25. Xoinncaw news spates that ,tho Gener;< Council is considering, the proposal of tin Australian United Steam Navigation Coin yauy 10 establish a new direct steam servic betwof.il. Sydney and Noumea. THE FRENCH AT NOUMEA. Noumean news states that the French Go vernment intends to make Noumea the nava head-quarters for French ships in the Pacific and a large dock is to bs established. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FINANCE. ADELAIDE, Nov. 25. In the Legislative Assembly, the Treasure] introduced the loan estimates. It is pro posed to borrow £1,760,000, in sums oi £500,000, as opportunity is offered, to covei payments extending over three yaars, foi works already authorised. RUINOUS COMPETITION. BRISBANE, Nov. 25. The leading merchants have formed a combination to control prices and prevent the sale of loading lines under cost, and end the 'system of ruinous uiider-seiling. A MURDERER'S CONFESSION. MELBOURNE, JSov. 25. A roller's confession shows that ho attacked Matthews with a tomahawk while his victim was asleep, dragged the body outside the tent, and drove a knife into the throat. He was horror-stricken when, he realised- that the deed had been done," and burned the clothes and threw the body into the river. ,