AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 109, 5 November 1896, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

(Per Press Association.) Perth, Nov. 3. A boat belonging to the steamer Megregor capsized in Esperance Bay, and while tke crew were struggling in the water a shark dragged the cook's assistant from the arms of the second officer, and the unfortunate fellow was not seen again. Adelaide, Nov. 4. The price of the two pound loaf has been raised to fourpence. In the legislative Assembly a Bill providing for the advance of seed wheat to distressed farmers was introduced by the Premier. He said it was estimated that about L; 30,000 would be required to purchase wheat, but if more was needed Government would put no limit on it. Five per cent interest would be charged, and the loan would be a first charge on next year's harvest. It is expected the money would all be repaid by March, 1898. Brisbane, Nov. 4. The Yamashiromaru, pioneer steamer of the new Government mail service from Japan has arrived. Three more steamers are being built for the trade between Japan and Australia. At present the service is monthly, but will soon be increased to fortnightly. Sydney, November 4. Owing to the revolt against the Land Tax assessment, the Government has decided to pass a short Bill postponing payment for three months in the metropolitan area and four months outside. This Day. Phenominai rain has fallen in the Northern River districts. At Rous twelve inches of rain fell in twenty four hours and considerable damage was done to tbe corn and maize crops by tbe floods. Melbourne, Nov. 4. The National Bank of Australasia has declared a dividend of 5 per cent on preference shares, and has carried forward L 16.000.