AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 July 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

(BT BtIOTBIO TELHGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.)

jjPBE PBESB ASSOCIATION.]

The Oceanic S.S. Company. W, Sydney, July 22. . Referring to the statement published at Auckland that the contract between the American Government and the Oceanic Company contains a clause under which it is impossible to omit Auckland as a pbrt of call, the managing a"ent of the Oceanic Company asserts that the statement is entirely wrong. A clause exists which leaves the company free to discontinue calling at a New Zealand port under certain conditions, and substituting Queensland, las suggested by Ramsay before the Queensland Chamber of Commerce, * What the Farmers Think. A number of the leading delegates to the recent Farmers’ Convention, interviewed on the Federal tariff question, were unanimous on the following points : That all the revenue required should be raised through the customs; assistance should be given local industries; heavy duties imposed on New Zealand products till that colony federates with Australia; and protection given the sugar industry so that it might be carried on with white labor. Opening of the Imperial Parliament. Received this day at 9 18 a. m. Sydney, July 24, The State Parliament will be opened today. The Marshall Islands Wreckage, Advices received, point to the wreckage found at Marshall Islands as belonging either to the barque Manchester, bound from New York to Yokohama, or the ship Albania from New York to Manila. The New Hebrides. MaLBODBNB, July 28. Dr Praton interviewed Barton and voiced his fears in reference to France’s intention in sending a large number of convicts to the New Hebrides. Barton reiterated his assurance that a watchful eye was S' ’ kept on all matters pertaining to the Seas, and quietened the fears in regard to the importation of convicts. ’ Troops for South Africa.

Burton states that the Imperial Government has asked for no more troops for South Africa.' If it did so, the Federal Government would certainly give them, bat saw there was no necessity in draining Australia of any.more of Ler sons. Measles on Board the Britannic. Received this day at 9 18 a m. a' Albany, July 23. 0. Twenty three oases of measles are > amongst the Britannic's troops. Australian Defence.

Melbourne, July 23. A Deputation from the Peace Humanity Society presented a resolution against the recent utterances in udicating the determination of some Politicians to foist a standing army on A Q stralia, and involve the Oommonwealth in the schemes and dangers of European militarism. Barton was assured that the Defence Bill did not contemplate militarism qr a standing army, but reliance w*s placed on the courage and Capacity of the citizens for the defence of the Continent.