AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11506, 12 February 1903, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright. FIRE IN ADELAIDE. (Received February 11th, 9.47 a.m.) ADELAIDE, February 11. The saddlery warehouse of Holden and Frost, in Greofell street, was completely gutted by-fire. The stock and plant were insured for £8700, and the loss is estimated at £15,000. AUSTRALIA AND THE OABLES. MELBOURNE, February 11. The Poetniaster-Oeneral, after reading the experts' if port on the proposed purohase of the Tosmanian cable, states that there is no probability of negotiations being carried further. At any rate, nothing would be done to close with the Eastern Extension Telegraph Co.s offer till Parliament meets. LOUIS BECKE—ALLEGED WEFEDESERTION. (Received February 12th, 1.17 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 11. Mrs Becke, wife of Louis Becke, the well-known author, applied in the Divorce Court for leave to dispense with personal service of a petition for dissolution of marriage, on the ground of her husband's doeertion. Respondent is believed to be in Jamaica. The application was refused, the Judge holding that there should be no difficulty regarding service in the case of such a well known person. THE PLAGUE IN QUEENSLAND. ROOKHAMPTON, February 11. There was a fatal case of plague today, a Chinaman being the victim.