AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 8, 10 January 1902, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

*BB ran ASSOCIATION. Mklboubnb, January 9. The Commonwealth revenue for December was £672,000, which is £22,000 above the estimates. The Government is purchasing an estate at Northcote for the purpose of extending the system of workmen's homes. A man in the Upper Murray district .waß driving 1200 sheep when he was caught in a bush fire, and, galloping, barely escaped with his life. Most of sheep were burned. !j Sydney, January 9. Wallace and Company were insnred in the South British office. The Telegraph says Mr Pitcher has unexpectedly turned up in the character of a Commonwealth prophet. He had been vaticinating about Federal affairs with all the airs of accredited authority. His assertion to the effect that federation is a yoke on Australia, by which it was never willingly accepted, is a slur upon the character of the Commonwealth citizens. Sir William Lyne, referring to Mr Pilchet's statement that the Commonwealth is going to pieces, and advising New Zealand not to join, said such a statement was childish. The union was not a toy one, but was « stern reality, acd wasgoing to last and grow in importance. Received 9, 9.5 p.m. Sysnxt, January 9. A tragedy has occurred at Mac Lean. James Dowling, who was living apart from his wife, gained admittance to her bedroom, and shot her, inflicting three serious wounds. He then escaped, and the police stirted in pursuit. Dowling fired, and shot Sergeant Brown in the leg. Constable Somerville rushed Dowling is the act ef again firing, and secured him. The woman iB in a dangerous condition Received 10, 0.22 a.m. Sydney, January 9. Dowling was an ex-alderman. About a year ago he attacked his wife and another lady with a tomahawk during " a fit of temporary insanity. Since then his whereabouts had been unknown.