AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 February 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

(per press association. —copyright.)

Old Age Drunkards.

Melbourne, This Day,

So many old age pensioners have appeared in the police courts for drunkenness that in future such cases have to show cause why their pension should not bo cancelled. Pilot Suspended.

In connection with the Ormuz Ismilia collision, pilot Emraerson’s certificate was suspended for twelve months, and he was fined £5(). New Steamship Company. The Australion South African Steamship Company’s Melbourne venture is being instituted. The service will be a regular one. Steamers will be specially fitted for the carriage of frozen produce and live stock to South Africa. Market for Produce. Moor, a member of the Natal Ministry, had an interview with the Minister of Agriculture. He stated there would be a ■good market in South Africa for Australian food stuffs and cattle for the next ten years. Owing to the war it will be that time before local producers are able to overtake the demand.

More Men Offered. Brisbane, This Day,

Government has offered to smd an additional hundred men to South Africa. Adelaide, This Day. Government has offefed to send a 6th contingent.

Melbourne. This Day.

Two hundred and fifty men for Tullfbardines Horse go without horses. The Govenmcnt has advised Tullibardine to supply them with 500 horses if required, Swimming.

The half-mile Swimming Championship of Australia was won by E. Cavill, Time 12 59 25. Champion, the New Zealander, was amongst the starters.

Cable Charges

Melbourne, This Day.

The Imperial authorities have apprised the Postmaster-General that the Canadian Government may -withdraw from the Pacific cable if Victoria and New South Wales accept the Eastern Extension Company’s agreement.

The Ministry arc waiting advices from the Pacific Cable Board before taking further action in the matter, but it appears that Victoria is morally bound, because the Postmaster-General signed a joint telegram with Crick, subscribing to the Eastern Extension contract.

Sydney, This Day.

In connection with the Pacific cable, Crick points out that as soon as the Federal Government takes over the Postal Department, the uniform rates to be charged would be a ridiculous one for the State to pay —3s Cd and another 4s lid per word.

Penny Post. Barton states that penny postage will he established throughout the Commonwealth at the earliest possible dale.