Untitled

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 452, 30 March 1912, Page 3

One matter which the Commonwealth Premier is very anxious to come to some arrangement with New Zeaalnd is that of the qualification for the old age pension, said Mr T. E. Seddon, in the course of a press interview. Where an applicant has spent some of his time in Australia it should, in his opinion, lie no bar to obtaining the pension in his native State. New Zealanders, similarly, should not be barred because they have lived for a lime in the Commonwealth. He is very keen on this, and hopes to visit New Zealand in a few weeks ami bring the matter under the Government's notice. He also thinks that the Dominion should combine with Australia in naval matters, but when he comes over here I think he will see that the eonditiuns are different.

A fearful hurricane is reported from Westralia. The storm swept, the Northern Coast and lasted from Wednesday till Friday, doing enormous damage. Several pearling luggers were sunk and other vessels were driven ashore, many lives being lost. The damage ashore extended over a wide area. The town oi' Koeburne was Hooded, and n portion of Point Sampson jetty, also the tramway between Point. Sampson and Cossac, were washed away. Two hotels were blown down and buildings damaged. AH the telegraphic lines north of Geraldton were blown down, and it is not likely that there will he further news for a couple of days. The Balla Balla anchorage is recognised as dangerous. Lying between Depuch Island and the main land, it is swept by strong high tides, and is open to storms. Last year the steamer