AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9036, 29 February 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

I CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

SPECIAL COAL MINING COURT.

A DEADLOCK,

QUESTION OF EVIDENCE BEING

HEARD IN CAMERA

Received February 28, 9 a.m

SYDNEY, February 28,

A deadlock has occurred in connection with the Special Coal Mining Court.

Counsel for the miners intimated that the Miners' Committee had decided that the commission had not been empowered to take evidence in camera. They had, therefore, decided not to hear evidence in camera on any consideration, and all evidence must, they said, be given in open court.

The president (Judge Heydon) held that the commission had been empowered to take certain evidence in camera, and that the committee's attitude was untenable, they making a mountain out of a molehill. Later, a witness on behalf of the owners declined to give evidence in reference to the financial position of his company, excepting in camera. The miners' counsel asked for an adjournment to enable the miners' executive to consider the position.

The president adjourned the court for a week, and said he hoped wise counsel would prevail with the miners.

BARNAWARTHA RACECOURSE SENSATION.

AN ARREST AND CONFESSION,

Received February 28, 9.20 a.m

MELBOURNE, February 28

A man named Robinson has been arrested and has confessed that he attempted to rob the gatekeeper at the Barnavvartha races.

A revolver and a false beard were found in his possiiS'iou.

(A cablegram published yesterday morning stated that just before the chief event at the Barnawartha races, a masked man stuck up the gatekeepers and demanded the takings. A struggle ensued, and it is said the man deliberately fired his revolver at one of the keepers, luckily without effect).

OPIUM SMUGGLING

POLICE COMMISSIONER'S COMPLAINT. Received February 28, 10 a.m. ADELAIDE. February 28

In connection with the arrest of a storekeeper at Port Adelaide and the discovery of a "plant" of opium, the Commissioner of Police complains of the inactivity of the Customs authorities. He says they let slip an opportunity of unearthing the biggest secret importations of opium for many years.

DEFENCE SCHEME

THE AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS

•Received February 28, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 28. Mr Deakin, Federal Premier, in addressing the first of a series of meetings intended to stimulate interest in the Government's defence proposals, said the scheme was for defence, not offence. It meant the co-operation of the Imperial Navy, and the development of the best-trained forces in close alliance with the Imperial Army. There was no intention to check the volunteer movement.

A NEW STEAMER

Received February 28, 9.40 a.m. FREMANTLE, February 28. The Asturias, the new Orient steamer, has arrived. (The Asturias is 535 feet in length, and has a beam of 62 feet 4 inches, her gross tonnage being, approximately 12,000 tons. She is described as a "floating palace.")

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS

A DECREASE IN REVENUE,

Received February 28, 9.2 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 28. The State railway revenue for the last six months decreased by over £4.5,000.

BEAUTIFYING SYDNEY,

A ROYAL COMMISSION TO REPORT.

Received February 28, 9.20 a.m. SYDNEY, February 28. The Government will appoint a Royal Commission to report on the best means of improving the traffic facilities of Sydney and beautifying the city. The municipal, professional and commercial interests will be represented.

ANOTHER STRIKE. Received February 28, 11.10 p.m. SYDNEY, February 28. The ironworkers' assistants at Morts Dock have, struck against the employment of iive non-unionists. SUICIDE OF LIFE INSURANCE MANAGER. j Received February 28, 11.10 p.m. SYDNEY, February 28. Major Remington, manager of the Mutual Life Association of Australia, committed suicide at his home by shooting himself with a revolver. He was suffering from insomnia. His death has caused a sensation in business circles.