AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 28, 2 August 1893, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE MERCANTILE BANK TBIALS THE FEDERATION CONFERENCE, (PER PBES3 ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, August 1. Some apprehension was caused to-day in town when news was rewired that the steamer Chingtu, a Chinese trader, was apparently drifting ashore near Richmond Heads. Owing to the heavy sea running, a tug which went to the assistance of the disabled vessel ran a great risk, but erentually succeeded in getting her in tow, and reached Bryon Bay. This Day. The Federation Conference at Corowa passed a resolution calling on the electors not to support any Government which would not place Federation in the fore, and calling on each colony to pass a measure to elect representatives to a Statutory Convention for the purpose of considering and adopting a Bill to estabtablish a Federal Constitution. This Bill is to be submitted by a referendum process to a verdict of each colony. The Conference urged the Parliaments to pass legislation at once, assimulating the various tariffs, and to enter into a Customs Union to provide for the free interchange of local produce. The proceedings of the Conference are concluded. Adelaide, August 2. A quarter of a million of Treasury bills was applied for twice over. Hobart, This Day. A notice of want of Confidence in the Government on account of the increased Customs Duties is tabled. Bbisbane, This Day. The Government notifies all members of tbe Ministry have voluntarily reduced their salaries 10 per cent. Melboubne, August 1. The trial of Sir M. Davies and Mr F. Millidge, in connection with the Mercantile Bank cases, has begun.