NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 140, 5 November 1895, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

WAR SCARE IN AUSTRALIA. Sydney, November 2. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr o'Sullivan moved the adjournment of the House to discuss the probability of an outbreak of war. The Premier replying, said the colony was never in a more efficient state of military defence than now, and a scheme for a concerted movement by the whole of the colouies in case of danger had been prepared. He quit 9 agreed that the colonies could not be too well prepared, and the matter would have the full attention of the Government. The Colonial Secretary said he had discussed the question with MajorGeneral Hutton, Commandant, who had complained of the want of qualification of certain high military officers. He also stated that the colony had large quantities of useless powder. He urged that if the defences were to be kept in an efficient state, there must be larger expenditure, notwithstanding that the colony had never been in a better state of defence.

BANK NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, November 2.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Bank of New South Wales, the balance-sheet showed that the net profits of £84,700, to which was added £21,850, brought forward from the last half year. A dividend of nine per cent was declared, and £22,000 carried forward. During the last halfyear the paid up capital had increased £57,000, and was now £1,890,000. The reserve had increased by £14,000, and was now £1,720,000. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The Chairman said the general business of the institution was so largely increased and Government and other sound investments of such high prices that they had been unable, as expected, to decrease the superabundant holding of coin and bullion. Trade prices for products showed an improvement, but owing to the uncertainty of taxation and other causes capitalists continued the disinclination to invest.

THE DKOUGHT IN VICTOEIA. Melbourne, November 2. The Age states that owing to the drought, the estimated yield in the Mallee-land, which comprise many thousands of acres of wheat, this year, even if it reaches, will not exceed five bushels to the acre. One authority states that unless rain falls immediately it will not yied a bushel to the acre. Many holders are ruined. There is every prospect that the general wheat yield of the colony will be considerably below the average even if rain falls soou. London, November 2. The Gothic's chilled meat was a complete success. The temperature throughout was 28f to 28£deg. The greatest variation was Jdeg. Sydney, November 2. Five lady missionaries including the two Misses Eeid from New Zealand, left by the Tsienan to engage in the work of the China inland mission.