AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 526, 14 December 1899, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[united press association]. (by electric telkgbapn— copyright). Melbourne, Docember 12. Lord Brassey has sold his racing yacht Hc'en to Mr G. P. Garrard. A steamer has sailed with 13,000 sacks of oats, and a number of horses and sheep, for Port Elizabeth, ordered by the War Oirice. Harvesting is now general. The quality of the new wheat is excellent It is fuller and more regular, and the grain is freer from smut than last year. The Argus gives Mr Seddou secure tenure of office for three years, aud says that some of his legislation, once bitterly criticised, has been justified by experience. Brisbane, December 12. Mr Price succeeds Mr Batchelor in the leadership of the Labour party. Sydney, December 12. Some interesting evidence was given before the Parliamentary inquiry concerning the real identity of Creswell. A witness said that when Creswell married he asked him anxiously whether it was necessary to give his own name, ultii mately saying, " I will call myself Sir William Cresswell, baronet." Another witness testified as to the int'nucy between Arthur Orton and Cresswell, the former on one oeoaaiou saying that Cresswell ought to be in England looking' after his property. Cresswell told witness that he belonged to the best blood in England. (Received December 13, 9.35 a.m). Melbourne, December 13. All the members of the Ministry excepting Mr McCoy have been returned unopposed. Speaking at Bairnsdale, the Premier outlined the Government policy. He intended to wind up the session aB early as possible to prepare for the Federal session. It is intended to carry out the financial proposals of his predecessors and to proceed with a number of Bills before the Houses. The autumn sessiou will be chi- fly devoted to dividing the colony into federal electorates. A Bill will bft introduced to give the women vo-es, aud to take immediate steps to provide for the aged poor pending the introduction of the Old Age Pensions Bill, also to introduce legislation dealing with habitual drunkards. Adelaide, December 13. In the Assembly Mr Holder stated that he intended before the end of the session to introduce a Bill giving a vote * for the Council to every occupant of a house with a rental of £ls and their wives. The Government will take up all the measures of the Kingston Government.