AUSTRALIAN

West Coast Times, Issue 10532, 16 July 1897, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney,- July 45. Preparations arc complete for the execution of Butler to-morrow morning. Whenjhis hands were released he refused to use the writing material. His hands were again plaped in mittens. Island news states a large tidal wave has been recently experienced at Saut^ Crujz group. It did considerable damage to property. When the steamer left it was not ascertained whether there was a ny loss of life. The Rev. Dr Clifford, the well known lecturer, and his wife, arc passengers by the Tarawera for New Zealand. Island news states that after a prolonged state of agitation the submarine disturbance at Tongoa has subsided and left a shallow sandy patch where previously there were five or si£ fathoms of water. Such property as is clearly proved to ! belong to Butler will be forwarded to ' friends in England. The Western miners' ballot favors a strike. The Attorney-General claims the land tax decision as a moral victory for Government. The object of the appeal was to escape taxation altogether and. have

the tax declared a dead letter whereas the Court declared it was actually a charge on the laud subject to an easily performed condition. The decision simply meant a little delay. As soon as the assessment books were completed new notices would be issued. In accordance with the Act both the current tax and arrears have to be paid. Government will easily remedy the defect by either completing the books or introducing a validating bill. j In the Legislative Assembly, clauses up to 23 of the Federation Bill have been adoptod. The only important amendments provide for proportional representation of States in the Senate. The minimum number of senators for each state is fixed at 3 and the minimum number comprising the Senate at 40 and dividing the State into electorates, each electorate to return one senator. Brisbane, July 15.

In the Assembly, the Minister for Works moved the Federation Bill be withdrawn. The AcLing-Premier said tho Bill was brought forward on the understanding it would not be opposed. The House, however, had refused the second reading, and the only dignified course was to withdraw, tho responsibility of which rested with the House, not tho Government, whose sincere desire was to be l represented on the Convention. The motion for withdrawal was carried by 42 to 18. Tho Acting-Premier said if the Convention were adjourned over next year Government will be prepared to bring forward anocher Federation Bill. Houaut, July 15. Tho Assembly carried a congratulatory address to the Queen, the members rising and sirging cho National Anthem. Adelaide, July 15. A large public meeting decided to erect a monument to the lost explorers, Wells aud .Tones and assist their widows and families, who are in poor circumstances.