LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4045, 7 February 1895, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(ileceived February 7,10.55 a.m.) Sydney, February 7. In consequence of his recent lino performances with the bat, Eady,tbe Tasmanian cricketer, has been selected to practice for the final tost match. Whether he is chosen to play or not-, it is considered certain that he will be asked to join the next Australian team that visits England. The Orovenmment is carrying out a system of consolidation of the Crown Lands by the exchange of lands with pastoralists. A considerable number of the latter are availing themselves of the chanceofniakiug their holdings compact. The Sydney Telegraph and Melbourne Age strongly condemn the Parkcs School for thoir opposition to Federation recommendations of the Premiers' Conference, They consider it is merely the outcome of personal feeling, especially against Mr Reid. The Herald and Argus are more guarded, and seem to be somewhat doubtful about the wisdom of the Referendum,

The ketches Sir George and Petrel have boon missing since the gale, and great anxiety, felt about their safety, The schooner Forest Queen has turned up, she had a fearful time,and lost her sails, anchors, and bulwarks, and had to jettison part of her cargo to save the vessel. The schooner Victoria barely weathered the gale. Tho cargo slipped and the hold was swamped, Oil bags were used with good results. A trial shipment of a dozen blood and draught horses is being sent to London by the Celtic King, ou behalf of two well-known breeders. At the Conference of Fruit Growers called by the Agricultural Department, delegates wero present from all parts of the colony, The Minister said the Government were anxious to help in every possible way to develop tho industry and build up an export trade. It was intended to introduce bills for putting the wine industry on a bettor footing, and dealing vigorously with fruit pests. A discussion took place which showed that the industry was in a bad and languishing state, and that there was much carelessness and neglect on the part of the majority of growers.

Newcastle, February 7. At a meeting of tho board of miners delegates, it was decided by 96 to 50 to declare all tlie strikes in the district off. (lleceived February 7,11 30, a.m.) Melbourne, February 7. The evidence of importers taken by tho Tariff Commission was to the effect that tho leather trade had been ruined by high duties. They advocate a reduction by 25 per cent.