AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10769, 15 May 1913, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph.—Press Asuooiation.—Copyright. (Received May 15, 10 a.m.) FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK. SYDNEY, May 15. Mr Andrew Fisher laid the foundation 6tone of the head ofnoe of the Federal Savings Bank in Moore Streot. When finished it will be a palatial skyscraper. ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL. Preparations are being made for the completion of St Mary's Cathedral. The subscriptions towards the completion have already reached £40,000. STRIKE PROSECUTIONS. The Government will prosecute fifty more goods yard employees in connection with the recent railway strike. CITY RAILWAY. The Cabinet is taking definite steps regarding the city railway. It has been decided to ask Parliamentary authority to construct the line without reference to the works committee. FEDERAL' SMALL ARMS FACTORY. The Federal Small Arms Factory has turned out its first consignment of forty rifles satisfactorily. The rifles have passed exhaustive tests. AN AMALGAMATION. The Australian Journalists' Association and the Writers' and Artists' Union, previously antagonistic, have amalgamated and will combine to be registered as an industrial union. BOGUS BIRTHS. MELBOURNE, May 15. Dr Truon and Nurses Hurrell and Donaldson have been committed for trial on a charge of conspiracy in connection with the maternity bonus clauses. A COSTLY RAM. The owners of the Canonbar station have purchased a Boonoke stud ram for 1600 guineas, which is equal to an Australian record.