COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 39, 14 February 1913, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

THE J. I). WILLIAMS CO. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Sydney, February 11. When the charge against James Dixon Williams was heard, counsel for the prosecution announced that he and the counsel for the defence had gone thoroughly into the case on account of public matters .n voiced, and had agreed that Williams, in taking the step he did, acted bonafide and in the interests of the shareholders, but thought that the explanation put heir,re him bj counsel convinced him that the proper course to pursue in the interests of the shareholders was not te proceed further with the charge. Counsel for the defence stated that Williams assented to this course realising that it was in the interests of the company and the shareholders. He was also of opinion that the quarrel should cease between the parties, as the explanation given was satisfactory and honourable. The case was thereupon discharged.

SPEAKER WILLIS. I Sydney, February 11. Speaker Willis has issued a statement to his constituents reviewing the political situation. Ho points out that the parties in the House are evenly balanced. His occupancy of the Speakership was for a passing redistribution of seats before f!he general election. Hence he awaits a dissolution. As a private member he cannot approve of further supply being granted to the Government if the constitutional practice is ignored. He adds that the Government can only retain office “when I resign the chair by the Wadeites or the Democrats wet-nursing caucus measures.” FEDERAL NICKEL COINAGE, (Received 10.45 a.m.) Melbourne, February 12. The Federal Government has decided to adopt nickel instead of copper coinage. TRANS-CONTINENTAL RAILWAY. Perth, February 12. Mr Fisher turned the first sod at the Kalgoorlie end of the Trans-Conti-nental railway. London, February 12. Somerset House is claiming duty on the estate of the late W. E. Smith, of Sydney, on the ground that deceased never lost his English domicile notwithstanding that he had thirtythree years’ domicile in Australia. Sir George Reid and Mr Coughlan (Agents-General) have protested. It is understood that many other estates are affected.