AUSTRALIAN ITEMS

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1557, 15 May 1903, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS

FEDERAL SUGAR REBATES. Melbourne, May 14. Sir Edmund Barton states that early in the coming session a Bill will be lntioduced proposing: a sugar bonus to take the place of the present sjstem of rebates, the cost to be divided amongst the States on a population basis. It will probably be made retrospective, and the whole rebates already paid will be dealt with on a population basis. THE AUBURN MURDER. Sydney, May 14 Woolford, under cross-examination, made many lapses of memory when cornered on incriminating points His evidence was very contradictory, and he declared that certain letters produced in evidence were written bv him at the instance of two men whose names he failed to remember, and under threats that he would be stabbed and dogged " to death. THE NORFOLK ISLAND INQUIRY. Norfolk Tsland, May 14 Mr Houston was present at a large public meeting, whereat the Commission appointing him to inquire into the grievances was read He appointed sis of the leading local residents to assist in the enquiry, which he convened at once. MORE PLAGUE RATS. Sydney, May 14. in a store in the vicinity of the wharf where the Queensland steamers berth a number of dead rats were noticed last week. The block is being thoroughly cleaned and other precautions taken.