AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2792, 5 June 1890, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(BY ELECTRIC JTELEGKAI'H.—COPYRKIHT.) Sydney, June 4. Arrived : Cairntoul, from Bluff. The Government intend to bring the Federation Debate to a close as early as possible. In the Honso of Assembly the motion by Mr W. Willis, member for Bourke, to remove the duty on tea was discussed at great length, and ultimately it was negatived by 25 to 18, Melbourne, June 4. It is expected that the debate on Captain Taylor's motion, which the Government accepted as one of "want of confidence, will'be prolonged. In the case against the officers and auditors of the Premier Permanent Building Association the decision was reserved "pending the trial of the directors. It is probable that serious trouble will arise over the Marine Officers Union. The owners arc determined not to allow them to afh'liato with the Maritime Labour Council, which will shortly consider the whole question. The Governments of New Zealand, South Australia, Tasmania and Fiji, approve of the Premier's suggestion to establish an Imperial reading room in the Institute. Queensland have dolayed acceptance of the suggestion, pending the receipt of more definite information as to the cost. The Chinese Restriction Bill has had ft marked influence on the number of Chinese am ving, as they were only 175 during last year, and of those nine-tenths had previously resided in the colony, and had gone to China oil a visit. In the first quarter 'of the present year the arrivals have been only 37, while 101 departures are recorded. ■ Sydney, June 3. At a meeting of the Marine Officers' Association it was decided, notwithstanding the actiou taken by the New Zealand Association, to adhere to their pledge to hold a conference with the steamship owners. Brisbane, June 3. The cargo of the steamer D-iccn, wrecked in the Red Sea, is valued at £10,000, fully half of which is insured in the colonies.