AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 426, 25 April 1899, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[united press association.] (by electric telegrafh.— copyright). Brisbane, April 22. The official report of the late hurricane shows (hat 86 vessels were lost and between 300 and 400 coloured men and 14 Europeans drowned. The damage is estimated at £50,000. It is rumoured Sir Hugh Nelson, the ex-Premier, will be President of the anti-Federal League. At least two members of the Cabinet will take an active part in the crusade against the Commonwealth Bill. Brisbane, April 24. A Japanese steamer brought the crew of the British barque Clwyd, who were picked up after being several days in an open boat. The Clwyd was wrecked on Prata's Shoal, on the voyage from Hongkong to Peru, with a cargo of rice. Melbourne, April 24. The New Zealand polo team beat the Melbourne Club by 11 goals and 21 behinds to 3 grals. The trouble at the Ballarat Woollen Milld has been ended, employers having accepted the strikers' offer to make up lost time. Sydney, April 22. (Jnder the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill power is given to the Minister to direct that a public inquiry into disputes or probable disputes, be conducted by a judge of the Supreme or District Court, but no provision is made for enforcing the award*, the idea being that a public inquiry revealing the merits of the dispute will have a sufficiently salutary effect. Under the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill power is given to the Miuister to direct that a publio enquiry shall be made into disputes or probable disputes, to be conducted by a judge of the supreme or district court, but no provision is made for enforcing an award, the idea being that a publio enquiry revealing the merits of the dispute will have a sufficiently salutary effect.