LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4937, 29 January 1895, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Received, January 29, 10.50 a.m.)

Sydney, January 29. The Seaham colliery has rented work with non-Unionists, nnOiioy have secured police protection, So far there has been no disturbance.

The Wallsend miners haveaccepted , the reduced rates offered by tho colliery owners, and shirt work tomorrow.

Tho Hon. Mr Young is reorganising the Public Works Department, ■with a view of dispensing with unnecessary officials. Several highly paid officers are affected. ' Admiral Bridge stated, in the course of an interview, that ho considered the Harbor Defences of raoßfc Australian ports sufficiently strong, and did not believe the Imperial authorities would raise anyobjection if it was decided to make the Auxiliary Squadron purely Australian. i Tho position of Australia with regard to outsido attack looked safe enough at present, but it was impossible to tell what tho futuro might bring forth. Thoy should look ahead. If England were engaged in war, Australia would be greatly concerned, as tho first aim « of a belligerent power would hkto cut off food supplies, and to ct§j!lo the Australian trade. (Received January 28th, 7,50 a.rn.) Sydney, January 28. The report of tho Australian Joint Stock Bank shows a profit for half-year of £21,900, recommends a ' dividend of 4 per cent,, the carrying forward of £1,400, and that the reserve be increased £1,500. (Received, January 28,10.45 p.m.) _ At the enquiry into the fatal collision between tho Princess and the Awhina, the latter was adjudged at . fault, and' Captain Potorson vras ' cited to show cause why his certificate should not be suspended. A ridonvas added that the captain and crow of tho Awhina made every effort to render assistance.

Melbourne, January 28. At a meeting of the .Metropolitan ' Gas Company it, was stated that 20 / minutes were lost each night by tha adoption of the standard time. The Bill will mean a loss to the eompanj of £] 0,300 per annum.