AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 36, 7 February 1912, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, February G

Mr AVragge has repeated his prediction that the rainfall will bo below the average until 1910, although lesssevere than previous droughts. Melbourne, February G.

A coach capsized at Portarlington. Fourteen passengers were injured, seven seriously. The Federal Government has decided to act along the lines indicated by Mr Fisher in connection with securing closer relations with New Zealand as soon a.s the politics of the Dominion are more settler. It is believed that at first it will be restricted to defence and commercial relations. Mr Fisher stated that action will bo taken on the lines of the motion of the Hobart conference. He considers a defence agreement should bo -made between the Commonwealth and the Dominion as practically an immediate step towards closer political relations. Mr Pearce lias instructed the Captain of the Naval College to prepare particulars of a proposal for training Now Zealand cadets. Adelaide, February 6. The fire in tlie hills is still burning fiercely. It is easily the biggest on record. The damage is £150,000. Many homesteads were destroyed, the settlors having thrilling experiences. Hobart, February 0. The New South Wales Totalisator Commission has commenced 'taking evidence.