AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 62, 8 March 1912, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, March 7. AnpjJio.fr. daring burglary . has occurred/ this time at the residence of Russell, the jvell-knowu jockey. Kensington, Russell’s brother-in-law, was awakened', early in the morning by a iap on the forehead, and saw three armed, masked men grouped, round the bed, and a fourth standing outside the window. They demanded money, and ransacked the room, securing about £3O in money and jewellery. They then went to Russell’s room, covering him with revolvers, and made a similar demand. Russell handed over £lO (winnings at the races). The intruders carried electric lights, and thoroughly overhauled the house, regaling themselves with food and drink, and reassuring the victims’ wives; that they had nothing to fear, and offered them fruit and water. On leaving the house they warned the occupants not to move to seek assistance, or they knew what to expect. They escaped* in a waiting sulky. The police are investigating. Mr. J. H. Wit lief ord, of Calliope Dock fame, arrived by the Moldavia, en route to New Zealand, after'seven years’ absence in England. He returns as representative of one of the leachng financial groups in London, who have arranged to provide nearly £l,U()t),0t)0 capital in a New Zealand project, upon his being able to advise that satisfactory arrangements have been made in accordance with instructions. During his stay in England Mr. Witlieford had interviews and communications with the Admiralty, resulting in his receiving thanks for a certain action he initiated in connection witji British-Pacific interests. He sails for New Zealand on Monday. The Irish envoys hold a large and enthusiastic meeting in the Town Hall, and a large sum was collected. (Received 8, 8.10 a.m.) Sydney, March 8. John Macpherson was remanded on two charges of stealing moneys of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, also conspiring with another to defraud Singers of £12,715. Bail of £IOOO was allowed. (Received 8, 1.15 p.m.) Melbourne, March 8, The Federal Parliament is to appoint a commission on the fruit industry. Evidence regarding the export trade will he taken throughout Australia and on the condition of European markets. The Federal Government lias boon informed that the cruisers‘Melbourne and Sydney will he received from the builders in August, and the battleship Australia in September. All will arrive in Australia early next year. Mr. O’Malley informed a deputation that he would start to employ men in connection with the transcontinental railway in May. (Received 8, 10.35 a.m.) Sydney. March 8. I lie Irish envoys held an overflow meeting attended by over a thousand. The collection amounted to £1350. (Received 8, 9.10 a.m.) Brisbane, March 8. One of the most disastrous fires in the history nl the city occurred late hist night. Ihe Eitzroy Chambers, a six-story building, in Adelaide Street, m the heart of the city, was gutted.’ I he fire spread to a tailor’s establishment adjoining. It was still burning early this morning, hut was under control.