AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3011, 7 October 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CABLE NEWS.

nited Press Association-By Electric Telegraph Copyxigut>

TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES. Received October 6, 10 a.m.. MELBOURNE, October G. Mr Hesketh, electrical engineer to the Federal Post Office, in his evidence before the Postal Commission, stated that £2,100,000 would l.e inquired to place telegraphs and telephones on a proper footing. FRAUD. Received October 6, 9.25 p.m. SYDNEY, October 6. At the sessions to-day Livingstone pleaded guilty to stealing the sum of £lO3 19s 6d, the property of J. C. Williamson. The Crown Prosecutor stated tint the total deficiency was between £5,000 and £6,000. The frauds were conducted by means of false signatures. The Judges decision will be given to-morrow. APPOINTED TO UPPER HOUSE. Received October 6, 9.25 p.m. SYDNEY, October 6. Mr J. H. Carruthers has heen appointed to the Upper House. THE WRECK OF THE AEON. ARRIVAL OF CASTAWAYS AT BRISBANE. Received October 7, 12.12 a.m. BRISBANE, October 6. The Manuka has arrived here with the castaways from the wrecked Aeon, "who supply very few fresh details concerning the wreck. Captain Downie attributes the disaster to the abnormal He contradicted the statement that the Chinese seamen behaved in an unseemly manner at the time the vessel struck. The conduct of the men was all that could be desired especially under such trying circumstances. • He added that the statement that they grabbed the lifebelts was absolutely incorrect. The sea was so rough that they never expected to see Christmas Island or any other island again. The chief officer declared that there was no sign of panic among the passengers. The Chinese all behaved splendidly. Besides having plenty of tinned provisions the baker made fresh bread daily The castaways also secure good catches of fish, and everybody enjoyed splendid health. The children regarded it as a prand picnic. The castaways lit big fires, at night to attract passing vessels. IRON BONUS BILL. Received October 7, 12.12 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 6. The House \ has restored the Iron Bonuj Bill to the stage reached last session.