AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 232, 6 February 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

RIFLE SHOOTING. By Cable—Press Association—Capyrigkt. Sydney, February 4. The Rifle Association advises that the British Rifle Team will be unable to visit Australia this year owing to the Coronation. SALARIES INCREASING. Sydney, February 4. The Finance Committee of the City Council has recommended considerable increases in the salaries of the principal civic officers. ] RAIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, February 4. Heavy general rains are again falling, and dirty weather prevails off the coast. A RECORD TRIP. Sydney, February 4. The steamer Frankdale made the trip to Valparaiso and back in fifty-nine and a half days—a record. I BUILDING TRADE DISPUTE. Melbourne, February 4. The Federal Council of the Builders' Laborers' Federation discussed the situation arising out of the failure of the conference, anil certain resolutions were adopted, which were not disclosed. It is believed that early and important developments are pending. RAILWAY IMPROVEMENTS. Melbourne, February 4. Railway improvements are contemplated by the Government, involving the expenditure of over £1,000,000. IRISH' BLIGHT. Melbourne, February 4. Irish blight continues to spread, and twelve potato areas are quarantined. VICTORIAN STATE COAL. Sydney, February 4. Tests of coal from the Victorian State Mine made in Sydney show that in hardness, calorific value, and for gas-making purposes it is inferior to Newcastle coal. Its greatest defect is that it friability does not allow handling for shipment. •