AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 307, 5 February 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

A PROPOSAL DISCOUNTED. By Cable—rressAssociation.— Copyright Melbourne, February 4. Members of the State Cabinet are not inclined to take seriously Mr. Enoch s proposal to acquire lands in the oveiseas dominions. The Premier regards' Mr. Taverner's suggestion that the colonies should be represented in the ilouse of Lords as a joke. VICTORIAN IRRIGATION SCHEME. Melbourne, February 4. It is estimated that under the irrigation scheme Victoria will have a million ticres, which will support 200,000 more persons than are already supported on the area. VICTORIAN TELEGRAPHS. Melbourne, February 4. The Postmaster-General has given in'structioM to carry out the recommendations of the recent conference of telegraphic engineers. Steps will be immediately taken to improve the equipment, and separate circuits will be provided at night for newspaper work. COMMONWEALTH TRADE. Melbourne, February 4. In the oversea trade of the Commonwealth last year imports totalled £sl,- ] 110,000, compared with in the preceding year. Exports amounted | <to £63,338,000, compared Avith , £G4,811,000 in the previous year. This latter included gold £14,332',000 as' against i£5,950,000 last year. A DRIFTING SHIP'S BOAT. Melbourne, February 4. Before the Tomoana rounded the Cape, while 500 miles off, two sailors reported that they saw a drifting ship's boat, submerged by the stern. Before the chief officer's attention was called the steamer had forged so far ahead that |st was indistinguishable, and the office* 'did not go back because he thought the j tailors had seen a dead fish. FIiRE IN VICTORIA. Melbourne, February 4. A fire at Rutlierglen destroyed several business premises in the principal street, the damage amounting to £IO,OOO. THE PREMIER OF WESTRALIA. Perth, February 4. The Premier leaves on a A'isit to London' next week. Mr. Wilson will be acting-Premier during his absence. , THE ALL-RED LINE. Melbourne, February 4. The rental of the Bamfield-Montrcal telegraph line, acquired,bv the Pacific ■Cab?e Board, is 55,000 dollars.