AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 300, 13 May 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN XATIYES. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, Hay 12. The Presbyterian Missions Committee estimates the native population of the Commonwealth nt 80,000. SCARCITY OF POLICEMEN*. Melbourne,,- !May 12. , There are no candidates for the police force. -Member-.*'urge the adoption of the all-round pensions scheme, which was repealed in 1902. THE REFERENDA. Sydney. May 12. The voting on the referenda in New South Wales was 41 per cent, of the roll, the lowest, and in Victoria 50 per cent., the highest. COSTLY REPAIRS. Sydney. May 12. Repairs to the Eastern, which was recently stranded in Queensland, have been completed at a cost of £30,000. TELEGRAPHISTS' WAGES. Melbourne, May 12. The Federal ftovernment is adopting a scheme for the classification of telegraphists which will cost an additional .taO.OOO annually. THE ArSTRALIAX NAVY. Melbourne, May 12. Arrangements have been made with the Admiralty to secure fifty-four special ratings for the torpedo destroyers. THE HARVESTER STRIKE. Melbourne,, May 12. A hitch lifts occurred in the harvester workers' agreement, the men alleging that the masters are re-employing the men in such a manner as to victimise the strike committee. They are endeavoring to arrange a conference on tlic matter. TOO SIMPLE P.Y FAR. Sydney. May 12. An advocate of the simple life appeared in George-street attired in a bathing costume, and was lined five shillings for offensive behaviour. AUSTRALIAN-MADE RAILS. Sydney, May 12. The Government has let a contract for 20,000 tons of locally-made steel rails.