AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6647, 20 November 1899, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

United Press Association — By Electric , Telegraph — Copyright. PACIFIC CABLE SURVEY. SYDNEY, Nov. 18. Letters from the warship Egeria, which is engaged in surveying tbe Pacific Cable route, report that from Vancouver to Fanning Island, there was found an average depth of 2800 fathoms. THE NEW GUINEA LAND SYNDI- , CATE. The Premier has received a cable message from the Agents-General virtually demanding that the money claimed by tbe New Guinea Syndicate for disallowed concession shall be paid immediately. He says that the Agents-General of the various colonies were not authorised to decide the matter, which; he will lay before Parliament. TROUBLE IN, THE NEW HEBRIDES. ' SYDNEY, Nov. 19. Tbe steamer Victoria, from the New Hebrides, brought Messrs Gillar and Gillies, missionaries. The tribal war in Tanna continues. Trouble also has broken out at Aobu. In the .former place a trader's station was looted. The missionaries had to fiy for their lives. Two natives who acted as guides during the recent punitive expedition by the officers of the Wallaroo have b&en killed. y (Received Nov. 29, 9.15 a.m.) A RIFLE TEAM FOR BISLEY: MELBOURNE, Nov. 20. The Federal Rifle Council has decided to send a team of fifteen men to compete at Bisley next year. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland will each contribute four members, South Australia two, and Tasmania one. THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. The Victorian railway revenue has increased £100,000 during the first five months of the year. The Commissioner expects a large surplus at the end of the year.