AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9114, 13 June 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph copyright.

NEWSPAPERS AND POLITI- , CIANS.

deceived June 12, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, June 12. The Victorian Premier (Mr Bent), replying to press criticism of his policy, attacked the newspaper "Age." He alleged that the late Mr David Syme always wanted politicians to be at his beck and call, adding, "He sent for me many a time, buc I said 'No, I am not going to be guided or directed by you.'" Mr Bent offered to give £IOO to seme charity if the "Age" could prove that since he had been a Minister he had put a penny in his pocket.

RECENT PEARLING FLEET DISASTER.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE. Received Juno 12, 10 a.m. PERTH, June 12. The official report of the recent disaster to the pearling fleet at Broome estimates the damage at £25,000, and the resultant lops to the industry at £40.000. A hundred and three lives were lust.

TRADES DISPUTES.

Received June 12, 9.40 a.m. SYDNEY, June 12. The report of the sub-committee of the Labour Council, 'in reply to the Premier's criticism of its action in advising the unions to ignore the. Industrial Disputes Bill, declares that the Council will not deviate fiomHs intention to oppose a measure aimii.g at the subjugation of trade unionism, the enslavement of its members, an \ the surrender of its longcherished principles.

BRAYBROOK COLLISION ENQUIRY.

Recevied June 12, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, June 12. At the Braybrcok enquiry evidence was given that the stationmaster at Sunshine had repeatedly complained that the staff was overworked, and asked for additional help. The last time lie asked for help—a month before the disaster—he stated that he could not stand tiie strain much longer.

C.lll/PING AT NEWCASTLE,

STRONG MEASURES URGED. Received June 12, 10 a.m. SYDNEY, June 12. A sub-committee of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce repoit* that there are good grounds for the complaints as ta crimping being prevalent there. The committee urges the Government to take etrong measures to suppress the "blood money" evil.

ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.

Received Junfl 12, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, June 12. A tragedy is reported from Bendigo. A man named Harry Freeman attempted to shoot his wife, the bullet perforating a tin she was carrying. He then fatally shot himself. Freeman had been peculiar in his manner lately.

DEFINITION OF "AMATEUR."

Received June 12, 9.35 a.m SYDNEY, June 12. The Amateur Sports Federation ha? amended ils recently-adopted definition so as ti include golf. "Amateur" is defined to mean one who never competed for money, whether in the form of a prize, stake, bet, or declared wager, or knowingly competed against a professional, or taught, pursued, or practised any athletic exercise as a means of livelihood, or for pecuniary gain.