AUSTRALIAN

West Coast Times, Issue 10672, 28 December 1897, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN

(Received DecT27^ at" GtoCTa.m.)

Sydney, Dec 27.

There is considerable adverse-'eomment at the action of the Minister of Agriculture in observing secrecy in connection, with the supply of frozen meat to {Russia. They consider -they should at least-have first consulted the military authorities. The military commandant, however, sees ' no objection. Russia must be considered a friendly power, and Government were only acting as commercial agents in extending the trade of the colony. - The Russian consul was surprised he received no communication on the . matter. He doubts if the Russian Government are acting. Probably it is soipo enterprisingprivate agent [negotiating for the supply of meat. Melbourne, Dec 27. Elaborate preparations are being made b 7 'Government for the entertainment of the federal delegates. The conference of Premiers is postponed until towards the end of February owing tc the inability of _SLn-.TQbn_Forrest to visit Melbourne and as Mr Seddon is also not able to be presenit. The decision arrived at by the Premiers in Tegard to the admission of asiatics to the colonies and other questions of i general interest to Australasia will then, be L discussed with the view of united actiom being taken. ". . (Received Dec 27, at 8.20 p.m.) Sydney, Dec 27. There was glorious weather for the holiday. A naurow escape from a<terrible disaster occurred at Circular Quay to one of the crowded excursion boats. As the Princess, with 300 on board, was leaving, •she was cut, down by the North- Shore ferry steamer* • Fortunately the Princess was no distance from the .wharf. The ferry steamer also got alongside her.' The passengers scampered over 'the ferry boat and reached the wharf. The Princess sank within ten minutes. Melbourne, Dtc 27. A large balloon which was being .used for! an ascent exhibition to-day escaped and collapsed over Hobson's" Bay. The billoon cost £1200 and>cont ained 40,000 feet of gas when tt got loose. A man named Gregan was arrested on a charge of murdering his father at Clifton Hill. It is supposed to be the result of a quarrel.