AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6034, 3 August 1903, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

SMALLPOX IN TASMANIA. Launceston, August 1. ANOTHER case of smallpox is reported. Guards have been placed in positions to prevent the traffic from the city unless travellers show a certificate of successful vacciuation. This _ has aroused indiguation. A legiil opinion has been submitted that the Government has not rights to block the highways. Acting on a suggestion by the Mayor, two thousand people assembled, and, headed by a brass band, marched past the guards, defying their interference.

FEARFUL EXPLOSION. Noumea, August 1. A fearful explosion took place in the busiest part of the city yesterday. Hundreds of people assembled on hearing a terrific report. A tinsmith was putting a tap in an iron alcohol drum without removing the bung. The drum exploaded, decapetating the timsmith, whose head was blown a distance of several feet. The chief engineer of the steamer France, who was watching the tinsmith, with his eight-year-old son, was blown several feet. The former had half of his face and an eye blown out, and the latter was badly injured ; it is fearsd both fatally.

MR. KINGSTON. Melbourne, August 1. Negotiations to induce Mr Kingston to return to the Cabinet are still proceeding. It is believed that if any guarantee is given that a strike of seamen will not take place within twelve months, the way will be open fer Mr Kingston's return. Sir Edmund Barton, referring to the matter, said that no one who values the cause of federation could do otherwise then regret the resignation or feel anything but gladness should Mr Kingston return to the Cabinet. A NOVEL MOTION. Perth, August 1. In the Lepislativa Assembly Mr Nansen moved an amendment to the Address-in-Eeply disapproving of the importation of coloured labour into South Africa and holding that sooner or later there niU9t be a cleavage between the Mother Country and Australia unless the question was settled in accordance with Australian ideas. The debate was adjourned.

THE ARGTJS AND MILDURA Sydney, August 2.

After temporary repairs the Argus was floated this afternoon and taken alongside the wharf. The horses were safely landed. The vessel will be d6cked, when a large portion of the cargo will be landed. The damage to the cargo is chiefly in No. 1 and 2 holds, where a large quantity of fodder is stowed. The Mildura was temporarily repaired and resumed her runniug on Saturday. OALES IN NEW SOUTH WALES BYDNEY, August 2. There has been incessant heavy rain during yesterday and to-day, and it still continues. There is a south-west gale on the coast, and shipping is sheltering. Telegraphic communication is considerably disorganised. The heavy raiu is confined to the coastal districts.

PLAGUE IN NOUMEA. Noumea, August 1. The plague in the north is attributed to natives living in squalor and fifth. Out of 62 cases there have been 52 deaths. Strict measures have been taken with other tribes to prevent contact, and the early extinction of the disease is expected.