AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8366, 23 February 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

STABBED BY A WOMAN. Received February 22, 8.58 a.m. SYDNEY, February 22. A woman, named Burns, near Gunnedah, quarrelled with a man, named M'Cormick, with whom she lived, and fatally stabbed M'Cormick. GOLD STEALING IN. WEST AUSTRALIA. Received FebrOary 22, 8.58 a.m. PERTH, February 22. The report of the commissioner on the alleged gold stealing finds that there is no direct evidence of stealing. It recommends more stringent legislation. PRISONERS' STRIKE. Received February 22, 8.55 a.m. PERTH, February 22. Forty prisoners at Fremantle gaol refused to work, on the ground that one of their number had been flogged while he was, allegedly, in illhealth. After considerable delay the malcontents obeyed orders. An enquiry will be held. AUSTRALIAN NAVY. Received Ferbuary 22, 10.7 a.pi. MELBOURNE, February 22. Mr Esplin, head of a well-known firm of naval architects, who accompanies Mr Clark (representative of the mail contract syndicate) will interview the Minister for Defence with reference to the construction of torpedo boats and destroyers. COMMONWEALTH POLITICS. Received February 22, 9.14 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 22. Speaking in the Federal House of Representatives Mr Deakin, explain ing his intentions with regard to the Imperial Conference, indicated that h 3 would support the conference being made an Imperial Counci', consisting of the Prime Ministers of the colonies, who would meet periodically, and would otherwise hold consultations by an organised sysem of correspondence, with a permanent secre taryto gather and collect information. Both Houses have adopted the Address-in-Reply. Received Last Night, 11.16 o'clock. MELBOURNE, February 22. The Federal Parliament has been prorogued till April 9th, and is not expected to meet again till about the end of July. NEW GUINEA AFFAIRS. Received February 22, 8.58 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 22. Captain Barton, Administrator of New Guinea, has been granted twelve months' leave of absence. Judge Murray, the Chief Justice of New Guinea, will act as Administrator till Parliament re-assembles in July, when complete proposals as to the territory will be submitted.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S POPULATION.

Received February 22, 8.58 a.m. ADELAIDE, February 22. The population of the State on December 31st last was 380,245, an increase for the year of 5,847.

STATISTICS OF FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

Received February 22, 8.5 a. m MELBOURNE, February 22. The cost of the late Federal elections is £46,679. The electors enrolled totalled 2,109,562, whereof 52.21 voted. THE MAIL CONTRACT. Received February 22, 10.7 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 22. Mr Clark states that his visit is not associated with the mail contract, but its object is to make himself acquainted with the export trade, to establish agencies, and to make arrangements for berthing' and stevedoring for his firm. He says he is perfectly satisfied with the terms of the contract. THE VENTURA. Received February 22, 9.58 a.m. SYDNEY, February 22. The San Francisco steamer Ventura was docked to-day to receive a thorough overhaul of ber machinery. Until this is complete the date of her departure will not be fixed. PLAGUE. Received Last Night, 11.15 o'clock. SYDNEY, February 22. Another case of plague is reported. FIRE AT THE EXHIBITION BUILDINGS. Received Last Night, 11.16 o'clock. MELBOURNE, February 22. The Exhibition Buildings had a narrow escape from a fire, which started in the Queensland. court at the Australian Natives' Association Exhibition. Luckily the fire brigade station is handy, and the brigade subdued the fire, after it had partially gutted the court. The damage amounts to about £IOO.

CABLE NEWS.

By Telegraph—Pi ess Association—Copyright.