COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 22, 19 September 1912, Page 2

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

RAILWAY DUPLICATION. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Sydney, September 18. The Council negatived the second reading of the Bill to constitute a Railway Duplication, Board. The measure proposed to substitute political for departmental control in the duplication work from Albury to Wagga. FLOODS IN THE MURRAY. Melbourne, September 18, Wide areas are flooded ‘iri. the Murray Valley and in Southern Gippsland. The damage to crops and property is severe. The losses along the valley of the Wimmera are estimated at £IOO,OOO.

PATENT MEDICINES. Sydney, September 18. Mr Woods, of Great Peppermint Cure fame, has come to Australia purposely to protest against the restrictions placed on patent medicines. In the course of conversation with Dr. Ashburton Thompson, of the Commission of Enquiry into the Sale of Food and Drugs, Mr Woods denied Dr. Thompson’s contention that people bought patent medicines for the sake of the alcohol contained in them. Ho declared that in twenty-five years’ experience he did not know of a proprietary medicine taken for its alcoholic effect. CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL. Sydney, September 18. Cold rain succeeded the unseasonable hot spell. Six thousand children participated in the splendid tableaux displays at the public schools’ carnival, in the presence of a great gathering of scholars and parents. Rain partially spoiled the function. FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, September IS. It is reported that the rivers are rising and big floods are pending. Stock-owners are warned to remove the bulk of their stock. There have been some losses. Four men who took refuge in trees have been rescued . Sydney, September 18. In the Murrumbidgee floor] a boy named Ryan roped a drifting Jog and was dragged into the river and drowned. A CHALLENGE TO JACK JOHNSON. Sydney, September 18. Mr Mclntosh has received a letter from the Hon. Stephen Jones, of Boston, asking him to arrange a fight with Johnson. Amongst his qualifications lie mentions that he split a door and a two-inch plank with his bare fist, without breaking tbc skin. tie claims that he strikes harder and quicker than Johnson.