AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8373, 7 March 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

BABY FARMING. ■ Received March 6, 9.46 a.m. PERTH, March 6. In connection with the charge of baby-farming against Mrs Mitchell, evidence was given that out of 32 in-' fants placed in her charge 29 died. The cause of death in nearly all cases was marasmus. FEDERAL MAIL CONTRACT. Received March 6, 9.46 a.m. MELBOURNE, March 6. Mr Clark, agent for the syndicate that holds the Australian mails contract, has assured Mr Deakin th\at the syndicate will proceed with the contract. Received March 7, 1.14 a.m. MELBOURNE, March 6. The representatives of the mail syndicate fstats that they received a cable from London, to-day, of the most satisfactory nature, and hope to make an announcement in a lew days dispelling all doubts as to the bona fides of the contractors, and their ability to fulfil the contract. CROSS AND CRESCENT. Received March 6, 9.30 a.m. SYDNEY, March 6. Both the r.;orning papers have leaders dealing with tne Rev. Mr Burton's statement regarding the increase of Indians in Fiji, and urge the necessity of prompt action in dealing with the matter. The Telegraph says it means that the penumbra of the Yellow Peril is coming steadily closer and closer, while white settlement, which alone can save Australia from being eventually overrun like the other Islands, is not Vnaking commensurate progress.This problem may yet transcend all others at present associated with the destiny of the Anglo-Saxon Race in the Southern Hemisphere. Received March 6, 9.46 a.m. SYDNEY, March 6. During a wave of enthusiasm at the Wesleyan Conference mission meeting £2,000 was subscribed in quick time. (The Rev. Mr Burton stated that natives of India are Orientalising the Pacific Islands, and are increasing in Fiji while the aborigines are decreasing. Mr Burton fears that the Crescent will displace the Cross dn the Western Pacific). A PROMOTION. i Received March 6, 5.36 a.m. SYDNEY, March 6. Private advices state that Captain Stokes Rees, who is in charge of Garden Island (New South Wales) has been promoted to be Rear-Ad-miral. (Garden Island, in Sydney Harbour, is the property of the Imperial Government, and naval stores are kept there). THEOLOGICAL CANDIDATES. i Received March 6, 8.36 a.m. SYDNEY, March 6. Owing to the absence of local candidates for the ministry in New South Wales, the Wesleyan Conference • is compelled to accept offers from other States. 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE. Received March 6, 9.46 a.m. MELBOURNE, March 6. The long-standing dispute between the Oceanic (Spreckels) Steam Ship Company and the Postal Department has b'een settled. Arrears will be paid to the company, ' which in future will be paid the Federal rate of 2sjper pound for mails to New Zealand, and the Postal Union rate of 3s 7d for mails beyond New Zealand. The arrangement covers the period from the date of the transfer of the Post Office to the Federation. PLAGUE. Received March 6, 10.46 p.m. SYDNEY, March 6. Another case of plague is reported. THE SONOMA'S CREW. / Received March 6, 10.46 p.m. SYDNEY, March 6. After their release from prison a few of the- Sonoma's crew obtained work. jThe bulk were temporarily assisted by the Sailors' Home, and are'now wandering the streets penniless. The men state that they were treated as deserters, and their only clothes were confiscated by the ship, and the American Consul refuses to help them. The Consul, interviewed, stated that he would help one or two deserving cases. The others would be treated as deserters, and their money and clothes sent to America. The Consul added: "We have to make an example of these fellows, or the crew of each ship will "play up" here after hearing what a time these fellows had, and if we assisted them there would be no end of trouble." MR A. DEAKIN. Received March 7, 1.14 a.m. I MELBOURNE, March 6. There was a large gathering to bid bon voyage to Mr A. Deakin, who has departed for London to attend the Imperial Conference. SHIPPING. Received March 7, 1.14 a.m. SYDNEY, March 6. Arrived —Sierra, 9.30 a.m. Sailed —Wimmera, 6 p.m. MELBOURNE, March 6. Sailed—Monowai.

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