AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 38, 12 September 1889, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright I I'KR UNITED PIIKSS ASSOCIATION.! Brisbane, September 10. Fearful reports are coming to hand of sickness at the Sudest goldfields in New Guinea. The Premier is endeavouring to promote a conference of military officers of the different colonies to meet MajorGeueral Edwards and discuss a united organisation of the colonial forces. The first shipment of Queensland coal was sent to New Zealand yesterday. It is expected, if the experiment is successful, the colliers will afford a good opportunity of obtaining direct supplies of New Zealand produce. Sydney, September 10. The farewell banquet to Admiral Fairfax last night was a brilliant success. In referring to the defences of the colony, Admiral Fairfax said those of Victoria ■were most complete. New Zealand bad accomplished much, acd what had been done was done well. New South Wales he thought, was behindhand with her defences, while Queensland had done little or nothing. He paid a high tribute of praise to the naval and military forces. In wishing them farewell, the Admiral expressed regret at his departure from Australia. In the House of Assembly last night, the Bill to abolish flogging was rejected. A tender has been accepted for raising the Centennial. Mel/Bottkne, September 11. In the House of Assembly the Tariff alterations are under consideration. The increased duty on barley and oats hasbeen agreed to.