AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6033, 1 August 1903, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

COLLISIONS OF STEAMERS. Sydnky, July 31. A serious collision occurred ia the Harbour to-night, between the steamers Mildura and Argus, the former was inward bound from Newcastle and the Argus outward bound for Calcutta with horses, and was so badly injured that she had to be beached on Goat Island. TheMilduras's bows were stove in, but it is believed all her damage was above the water line. The Sultan of Johore was a passenger on the Argus, Sydney, August 1. The weather was overcast and gloomy at the time of the collision. The Ifidura hit the Argus stern on. The blow was terrific. Her plates on the starboard bow were cut into from the rail to below the waterline. When the vessels rebounded it was seen that the Argus need assistance. The Mildura immediately put out her boats to render aid. but the Argus steamed over to Goat Island and benched in two fathoms. The Mildura's bows were crumpled up, but there was no damage below the waterline Both vessels had commenced to go astern before the impact. The Argus had a number of passengers including women and children. As all were below owing to rain, they were thrown into a temporary panic when the shock came. The top hole is 15 feet wide tapering to 6 feet on the waterline. Some of the crew had narrow escapes. The bunks of the forecastle were smashed into matchwood. Over 100 horses w«*re aboard, including valuable racers, which were plunging and kicking wildly. The Sultun of Johore endeavoured to calm the women. He states he was surprised at the way the terrified Lascars of the crew behaved, and urged them to act calmly. RAIN AT BROKEN HILL Sydney, July 31. Heavy coastal rains are falling and it is showery inliind. At Broken Hill the fall recorded is 11 points. SMALLPOX IN TASMANIA. Launceston, July 31 Two fresh cases of smallpox have been reported.