AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8372, 4 March 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE TOWNS-DURNAN SCULLING RACE. Received March 3, 5.3 p.m. SYDNEY, March 3. Towns, in an interview said: "The race was as hard as I want. It was a good race till within three-quarters of a mile from home, when I was satisfied that I could win." Durnan, who looked quite "pumped out" at the finish, says it was a hard race for him, but a fair one. He declares that his racing days are finished, and he will never row again. Received March 4, 1.7 a.m. SYDNEY, March 3. At one time, shortly after the start, Durnan led Towns by half a length, but only for a hundred yards. A BIG FIRE. MELBOURNE, March 2. The Western bonded stores, at the corner of Little Collins and King Streets, have been destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at £IO,OOO. DETENTION IN GAOL. INDETERMINATE SENTENCES FOR DRUNKARDS. SYDNEY, March 2. The State Government has decided to set apart a portion of the Darlinghurst Gaol in order to try a new system of treating habitual drunkards, who will now be kept in gaol for twelve months, or longer if necessary, in order to restore their bodily ' vigour, and if possible to destroy the craving for drink. SHIPPING. Received March 4, 1.7 a.m. NEWCASTLE, March 8. Sailed—Maroro, for Auckland. MELBOURNE, March 3. Arrived —. Queen Amelia, from Dunedin. Arrived —Monowai.