AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3033, 2 November 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CHURCH AND MINISTER. BRISBANE, October 31. The Chief Justice delivered judgment in the case of the Rev. Dr. Frackelton against the Presbytery of Queensland and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. He found that the Presbytery had acted harshly, unjustly, and injuriously against the plaintiff, whose suspension was illegal and void. The orceedings of the General Assembly he also declared void, and granted a mandamus against the General As- ! embly and the Presbytery in terms ofthe claim. Judgment was for plaintiff, with costs, in all the proceedings. RICH GOLD REEF. PERTH, October 31. One hundred and twenty-five pounds of stone from a new reef at Meekathara yielded 500 ounces of gold. Previously 500 ounces had been obtained from the claim. A DRUCE CLAIMANT DEAD. ADELAIDE, October 31. Francis Druce, who twice journeyed to England to establish his claim to the Dukedom of Portland, on the ground that his grandfather was a brother of T. C. Druce, the alleged Duke, is dead. THE ROMA OIL BORE FIRE. Received November 2,12.50 a.m. BRISBANE, November 1. The fire in the Roma oil bore is still burning fiercely. No definite steps have yet been taken to smother the fire. Large quantities of chemicals and appliances have arrived for that purpose. Great crowds journey to view the unusual spectacle. The flames are visible at a distance of seventeen miles. * FEDERAL POLITICS. MELBOURNE, October 31. In the Federal House of Representatives, the Prime Minister, Mr Deakin, announced that the Government did not intend, during this Parliament, to impose land taxation. What next Parliament would do jvould depend on the necessites of the country at that time. SCULLING. SYDNEY, October 31. The Australia and New Zealand Sports and Amusements, Limited, are negotiating with Rarry, the English sculler, who recently defeated G. Towns, to visit Australia. If he consents, probably a series of rowing contests will be arranged here and in New Zealand. COLONIAL SUGAR COMPANY. SYDNEY, October 31. The Colonial Sugar Company's half-yearly report shows that the net profit amounted to £146,433. A dividend of 10 per cent, has been declared, and £36,369 carried forward. The cane crop now being cut is, states the report, disappointing. Heavy frosts have so reduced the output that the sugar carried over from last «eason will be required for the Commonwealth supply. It is intended to preplace the Fiona by a larger steamer of the same name, provided with tanks to carry molasses in bulk. This is considered necessary in order to meet the growing demands. LAWN TENNIS. THE DAVIS CUP.' ARRIVAL OF AMERICAN REPERSENTATIVES.

Rceived November 1, 4.25 p.m. JBRISBANE, Novebmer 1. Messrs Bella Wright and Alexander, the tennis players, who will represent America in the Davis Cup competitions, arrived by the Marama.