AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 182, 4 August 1903, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

PER PIIES3 ASSOCIATION Sydney, August 3,

! The death is annourcsd of Mr James lEwen, formerly a member of John Fraser and Company, and a prominent figure in cemm =rcial circles. Her Majesty's Theatre, a splendid new Kuiliiug to replace the one burned down lass yeir, Ins been successfully I re-opened. I Foumean files deny the that a new bach of convicts is being seat from France. They state on tho contrary that there is a s'ronger dotermination than ever to let t he convict system die out. Melboubne, August 3.

The Federal Customs receipts for July were .£884,000, exceeding the estimate by XI 25,000.

Received 3. 11.35 p.m,

Melboubne, August 3. A deputation representing the leading commercial institutions a«ked Sir E Barton to repeal tbe clause in the Postal Act prohibiting the employment of coloured labour on mail steamers, and urged that it would have a detri mental effect on owing to the impossibility of white stokers working tropical seas; also that Indites are fellow British subjects, and that it was highly important not to dissociate the Commonwealth from the Biitish Government in mail contracts.

Sir E. Barton said it was quite impossible to ask Parliament to repeal the clause until it had been given a trial, If he did ask he was certain he had no cfcance of securing a mijirity in favour tf tbe repe-l. Tenders would shortly be cilled for a fervice via Suez or Vancouver, when the mult would be seen and :t would be time to decide the mattor.

Sydney, August 3,

With a view cf popularising the Victorian game of fiotball here, the Geelong aod Carlton Clubs gave another exhibi ion ma'cb, at which there was a fair attendance. Geelong won by 8 goals to 6. The death is reported of Lady MeLeay, widow of Sir William McLeay.

The weather has cleared. Over seven inches of rain fell at Jarvis Bay and 2£ inches a*; Sydney on the last two days.

Bbisbane, August 3. Obituary: Dr. Webber, Bishop Of Brisbane. He has been ailing ever since his return from his mission to England to raise funds for diocesan purposes.

Received 4, 1.15 a.m. Melboubne, August 3. The Cabinet, *>as diseuasel Mr Kings' oil's succe-s-.r, but pending Mr Kiugstou's final decision to-morrow as to whether he wili re accept office, nothing was decided.