Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 45, 9 October 1914, Page 5

Australia.

CAPTURE OF NAURU. PHOSPHATE DEPOSITS TO LAST FIFTY YEARS. United Press Sydney, Octoer 8. Official confirmation has been received of the capture of Nauru Island from Germany. The warship took possession with all due ceremony. It is estimated that there are sufficient phosphates on the island to last fifty years at the present rate of shipment. THE PRIZE COURT. AN APPLICATION IN SYDNEY DISMISSED. (Received 10.35 a.m.) Sydney, October 9. The Prize Court heard an application for the production of certain documents on behalf of the owners of the steamships Zambesi, which was seized off Rabaul on suspicion of carrying contraband despatches for the enemy. The captain denied the charge. The application was dismissed on the ground of the continuance of hostilities. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND. (Received 10.35 a.m.) Melbourne, October 9. The Premier, the Hon. Mr Fisher, has received s a cable from Lord Liverpool (Governor of New Zealand) congratulating the Australian expeditionary force, and saying : "New Zealanders welcome the opportunity of meeting the Australians in the near future. The Dominion will never forget the service rendered by the Fleet in the Samoan expedition." OFFER ACCEPTABLE TO THE AUTHORITIES. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Melbourne, October 9. The Imperial authorities gratefully accepted an offer to provide a brigade of light horse wth a brigade train and field ambulance complete. COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Melbourne, October 9.

The Federal Government has decided that in future the naval and military hranches of the Defence administration bo controlled by separate Ministers. Senator Pearce will confine his attention to military affairs, while Mr Jon so has been appointed finnnce member of the Naval Board in charge of naval matters.