AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8116, 10 April 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

A SATISFACTORY STATE OF AFFAIRS. Reoeived April 9, 9.35 a.m. SYDNEY, April 9. The,manager of the firm of Sargood, Son and Ewen, speaking at the annual pionio, said there had been an increase of 45 per centum in tbe business done by the firm durig the past two months. From what be could gather, a similar satisfactory state of affairs could be reported by most Sydney firms, leaving no room for doubt of the return of good times. THE PROPRIETARY MINE FIRE. Reoeived April 10, 12.18 a.m. SYDNEY, April 9. The Secretary of the Proprietary Mine, reports an inburst of gas at the 400 feet level, whiob is supposed tu have heen caused by a fall ia the vicinity of the fire, which is still smouldering. One man was killed, and another is believed to be lost. Private advices state that many men are badly affected by the gas. No details are available.

NOKFOLK ISLAND. Received April 10, 1.15 a.m. SYDNEY, April 9. Hon. J. JEL Carruthers conferred wifh the Hod. A. Deakin in reference to the Commonwealth taking over toe Norfolk Island, and arrived at an arrangement to take it over, which the Premiers' Conference subsequently confirmed. It ; s to be taken over on the same footing as New Guinea, and not to he subject to the Commonwealth tariff. The Conference further discussed with Mr Deakin the question of immigration, and it was agreed that th 9 Commonwealth take over the advertising and shipping arrangements.