COMMONWEALTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 26, 30 June 1909, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH.

Sir Joseph Ward in Australia. Members of the State Cabinet welcomed Sir Joseph Ward on his arrival in Melbourne from Sydney on June 23, and he wa sentertained at luncheon at Parliament Buildings. In addition to the State Ministers, the Federal Prime

Minister (Mr. Deakia), the Minister for Defence (Mr. Joseph Cook), and the Federal Treasurer (Sir John Forrest) were present.

Mr. De akin had to leave early to attend the opening of the Federal Parliament, and in his absence Sir Jobs Forrest proposed “Our Guest.” remarking, in doing so, that Sir Joseph Ward was recognised as a very strong man throughout Australasia and England. He had accomplished great work during his strenuous public career, and Australia was proud of his latest act in offering Great Britain a Dreadnought. Proceeding, Sir John said he regarded the coming conference as the greatest in history since the days of Napoleon, and he wished Sir Joseph Ward a successful mission. He was sure New Zealand's Prime Minister would take a leading and distinguished part in the conference. Sir Joseph Ward, in replying, said he was proud to represent loyal New Zealand. He regarded the conference as a momentous one in the Empire's history, and would gladly co-operate with Australia’s representative in the promotion of the Empire’s interests. A party of Ministers gave Sir Joseph an enthusiastic send-off.

Federal Capital Site. The report of the Federal Capital Site Advisory Board has been tabled in Parliament. The whole proposed area o f 648,587 acres is described as suitable for building purposes, and the water supply as good and plentiful. The Board considers a practicable railway route can be found between the capital and the coast at Jervois Bay. The Government introduces a bill at an early date to fix the exact site of the capital. In the House of Representatives, Sir William Lyne gave notice of motion in favour of a bill to remove Customs tariff anomalies. The Government anticipates that it will have a majority of about 10 on Mr Fisher’s motion, under which it is proposed to discuss the platforms of the Labour party and of the coalition.

Shipping Disasters. A boat containing Captain Lindstol and six members of the crew of the Norwegian barque Orleans, bound from the Seychelles to Dunedin with a cargo of guano, reached Maeqnarrie Heads on Thursday night. The captain reported that the barque foundered twelve days ago. Another boat, containing the mate and six seamen, is missing. Captain Lindstol states that the Orleans, when 200 miles off the Tasmanian coast, opened out and commenced to leak badly. He was obliged to abandon the ship and the crew took to the boats, which were well supplied with food and water. The weather was exceptionally rough, and the men suffered great privations. Those who landed are in a very weak state. The boats kept together till Wednesday afternoon. A sharp lookout is being kept for the one still missing, which is presume;’, to be off the coast. The second disaster occurred at Adventure Bay, where the barque Natal Queen, which was finishing loading timber in heavy weather, grounded on the rocks and filled. The crew of nine landed safely. Latest reports are that the vessel is likely to become a total wreck.

Remodelling Sydney. The final report of the City Improvement Commission, which has been sitting since May of last year, recommends a comprehensive scheme for the remodelling of Sydney, including the immediate introduction of the underground electric railways in the city and suburbs, the widening of Elizabethstreet for its entire length to not less than 100 feet, creating, widening, and improving some other streets. Other recommendations include the generally beautifying and developing of the city, the removal of Prymont Bridge, providing new traffic routes to the wharves, dealing with the slum areas, and housing reforms. It is considered that the scheme will meet the needs of traffic for the next twenty-five years, at the end of whirfi, at the present rate of increase., it is estimated that the population of the city and suburbs will be a million and a quarter.