AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(lly Telegraph—Per Press Association.) THREE TRAINS COLLIDE. PERTH, Dec. 22. A sensational railway collision on tne main Rerth-Fremnntle line, six miles from Perth, early to-day, resulted in the derailment of thirty fully-laden trucks, and the death of a large number of stock. The train, when approaching Swanbourne, was crashed into by another train, and just as the debris was being dragged clear of the line, another train crashed into the wreckage. All the engines remained on the metals, but the trucks of all except the third train were telescoped. The force of the impact was so severe (hat the trucks hurst their sides and released droves of sheep and pigs, many whereof were mowed down by the third

train. Tt was many hours before the normal traffic was resumed.

BENEFICIAL RAINS. BRISBANE. Dec. 23. Further rains have fallen in the Longrech District, and it can now be said the drought in Central West and Northern Districts lias broken. There are still a number of isolated places that have received little relief. Owing to recent rains floods are threatening and in some places the railway lines are blocked owing to creeks and rivers running high. DISPOSAL OF OSMIRIDrUM. HOBART. Dec. 23. Owing to the unsatisfactory position that Ims arisen in regard to the disposal of osmiridium and the apparent failure to the pool. Tasmania has decided to revert to a system ot issuing Ini vers’ licenses.

BULL REJECTED. MELBOURNE. Dec. 23. The Legislative Council rejected the Stamps Bill, whereby it was proposed to increase the stamp duty on cheques from a penny to twopence. ENGAGED. SYDNEY, Dec. 23. The engagement is announced ot Miss Phyllis Yon Alwyn. who was chosen Miss Australia for 1927, and the cricketer Jack Gregory. BUSH FIRES. PERTH. Dec. 23. Bush fires have spread with alarming rapidity in Carnavoti District. Onlv a heavy thunderstorm can avert a serious loss to all stations between Wooramel and Gascoyne river.

An aeroplane pilot says the country is burning for forty miles. Most of the stations affected have mustered their stock and the losses will he light. MYSTERIOUS AEROPLANES. PERTH. Dec. 23. Two mysterious aeroplanes were recently observed on the north-west coast of West Australia. Suspicions are entertained that they are being used to smuggle opium into Australia. They are apparently operating from some island near Java,