AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 246, 13 December 1900, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

[FSB press association.] (Keceired 12,0.8 a.m.)

Melbourne, December 12,

The' Postmaster-General meets Mr. Crick on Friday to discuss the question of the resumption of negotiations with the Eastern Extension Cable Company with reference to a Cape cable.

In the Assembly, the Old, Age Pensions Bill wag passed, after amendments had been made raising the pensions to ten shillings weekly, and providing for a twenty years' residence qualification. The Woman's Suffrage Bill was read a second time by 56 to 27, and passed through the later stages. A collision took place late last night between the steamers Ormuz, outward bound, and Ismalia, inward bound, at the Heads, It is supposed that neither is. damaged. The Ormuz continued her voyage.

(Beceived 12,11.40 p.m.) •, ■-' Mblboubne, December 12. _ The collision between the Ormuz and Ismalia was more serious than first reported. Both vessels are badly damaged. The Ormuz. returned to port this morning, having her stern knocked round to starboard. The plates on both sides, from the water-line upwards, were burst from the stern. There is a large hola in the port bow on a level with the main deck. The Ismalia has a large hole in tta starboard bow. The vessels are, anchored at Williamstown. They were in charge of pilots at the time of the collision. They had a large number of passengers, who, on both ships, behaved splendidly. The repairs to the Ormuz will take a considerable time, so that her English passengers will be forwarded by another steamer at the end of the week.

Sidney, December 12. A despatch from Mr. Chamberlain confirms the appointment of Admiral Beaumont in command of the Australian station. Brisbane, December 12.

Another scene occurred in the Assembly over the application of the closure, Mr. McDonald, Libour member, was I suspended for a week.,

(Beoeived 13, 12.3 a.m.)

l SymrKr, December 12. Lord ETopetoun's sons have arrived. The evidence in the Oonningham divorce case is concluded. Received 13, 1.7 a.m.

;< Mklbotjbkb, December 12. Both s earners are evidently damaged below the water-line, as bo'n are leaking badly. It is stated it will cost fully ,£3OOO to repair the Ormuz and almost as much for the Ismalia.