AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 May 1898, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(BY ELEOrRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (Received May 20, 3.29 a.m.) NEW GUINEA SYNDICATE. Brisbane, May 20. The Government has requested the Deputy-Governor to cable to Mr Chamberlain, asking that the Queen maj be advised to reserve her assent to the New Guinea Syndicate until the Colonies have been consulted. THE WEATHER. Melbourne, May 19. The drought has broken up, and good general rains have fallen. THE STAR OF INDIA. Sydney, May 19. A heavy sea carried the Star of India's fore and main masts away on the night after leaving Newcastle. She was picked up and towed into harbour to-day, having been knockiog about helplessly for fourteen days. She was unmanageable and rolled heavily. Everything was swept off the decks. A PERILOUS VOYAGE. Sydney, May 18. The brigantine Lady Robinson had a terrible experience. She was for twelve days battered about at the mercy of the waves, being dismasted and leaking badly. The crew, who were worn out by pumping, had to crowd in the cabin eight feet square, and were short of food. THE PHILIPPINES. Melbourne, May 19. Sir G. Turner's action re the Philippines was the outcome of a cablegram from the Agent-General, to whom he wired to make representations to the Imperial Government that it was most important on strategical grounds that the Philippines should be in the possession of a friendly Power ; also in the interest of trade being on the route to China and Japan. He also asked Lord Brass9y to assist.