INTERCOLONIAL

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 29

INTERCOLONIAL

; MELBOURNE, February 19. Negotiations are in. progress with the Union Steam Ship Company to secure an extension of the Vancouver service till 1909. February 21. The Melbourne Argus and Age were proceeded s.gainst for breaches of the Gaming Act in publishing the information tha.t a certain horse had been made favourite for a race and announcing the winners of Tattersall's sweeps. Both journals gave an undertaking not to offend again, and the charges were withdrawn. February 22. The body of Mary Mac Lean, aged 89, was found lying in tlie house where she lived with her daughter, aged 53. Attention was attracted by the fearful odour emanating fa-om the premises. Inquiry revealed that the old lady had died about a week ago, but that the daughtei' would not allow anyone to enter the room, as she declared her mother was quietly sleeping, and must not be disturbed. February 24. In the course of his farewell sermon at Ballarat, the Rev. Mr Harry said that there were 5000 genuine Christians in Ballarat. The population of Ballarat is 44,000. Stewart, an aeronaut, descended by a parachute from a height of 5000 ft. He struck the rotunda in the cemetery and broke his leg, and also received internal injuries. SYDNEY, February 18. Protests are being made against the appointment of Mr Mackay as electrical engineer to the city, when Mr Wyllie, a» native-born candidate, possesses practically equal qualifications. February 20. Owing to the great shortage of boy labour negotiations were opened up with the Barnardo, Muller, and Quarrier Homes, in England, which in the past had sent lads to Canada, to see whether a supply suitable for farm 6 could not be sent to Australia. It is proposed to make a trial shipment of 25 lads. Two small bands of Bulgarians being now on their way to Australia, and New Zealand, a cablegram was sent to Suez to warn them of the plight of those of their countrymen who were dumped in Australia a few weeks ago. February 21. The City Council has asked the Premier to appoint a Royal Commission to consider the remodelling of Sydney. The Lord Mayor pointed out that the cost would be too heavy for the council. The Premier's (Mr Wade) reply was generally favourable to the proposal. The Rabbit Destruction Committee has asked the Government to make the mainland the scene of the test of the microbe known as the Yalgogoin microbe. It ■•s so called from the locality in winch it was foun-d. It is claimed to be as effective ac th© Danysz virus. ADELAIDE, February 18. Mr Vardon's election to the Senate is safe. He has obtained 45,582 votes, and Mr O'Loughlin 38,923. There are a few returns to come., but the result cannot be affected. BRISBANE, February 24. | The steamer Bombala collided with the I steam dredge Dolphin at Pinkenba. ! The dredge went down bow foremost, but the crew were rescued. ! The Bombala was badly dented on the i starboard bow, near the waterline.