AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 July 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

[nv BMCTRIC IELEGRAPII.—-COPYEIGH

(per press association.)

Cruisers for the Commonwealth. Melbourne, July 26. The Senate on the motion of Mr Keating (Tasmania) appointed a select committee to inquire into the question of improving steamship communication between Tasmania and Australia. It was urged that the isolated position of Tasmania prevented its realising the full benefits of the Federal union, without better means of communication. It was suggested to establish a fast line of steamers for the Commonwealth to be convertible into armoured cruisers capable of defending te Coast. Fiji Governor. Sydney, July 26. Governor O’Brien is a passenger by the Hauroto, which arrived from Fi]i today. Departure of the Yorks. Perth, July 26. The Eoyal visitors bade farewell to Australia to-day, the Ophir and her escorts leaving on the long voyage to South Africa in the afternoon. A large and enthusiastic gathering witnessed the departure. Broken Hill Company. Received this day at 9.58 a m. Melbourne, July 27. The half-yearly meeting of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company shows the net profits to have been £87,600, while £120,000 was distributed in dividends. The Chairman stated that the directors did not consider it desirable at present to declare a dividend, but at the next quarterly meeting they would be in a better position to judge of the possibilities of the nture. Victoria Racing Club. The Victoria Hacing Club’s profits for the year were £8,832. The Cup meeting resulted in a profit of £11,027, the Autumn meeting in a loss of £3061. The stakes paid totalled over £40,000. The Royal Tour. Received this day at 9 42 a. m. Perth, July 27. Prior to the departure of the Royalties, they were presented with a farewell address foom the residents of Freemantle. A thousand school children sang the National Anthem as they boarded the Ophir. The Duke called for throe cheers for Australia before the Boyal yacht started her voyage. The local visiting detectives, were each presented with autograph photographs of the royal pair, and a cheque. Lord Hopetoun, on behalf of the Commonwealth, forwarded a farewell message to the Cornwalls trusting that the Royal stay had proved interesting and happy, and adding, “We shall cherish ' proud recollections of the inaugural year i of the Commonwealth so signally honored < by the Heir of our well beloved King. <

The Duka replied, “ I beg you to express to your Ministers and the people of the Commonwealth our heartfelt thanks for their very touching message of farewell. It will be an abiding source of satisfaction that I have been permitted to carry out the great mission entrusted to me by the King to open the first Federal Parliament. Before quitting your shores, wo wish to renew assurance of our warmest gratitude for the loyalty and affection extended to us during the happy eventful months spent in the various states of Australia. May every possible blessing be bestowed upon their people."