AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2941, 21 May 1891, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(liY ELECTRIC TEI.EOIIAI'II — COI'VIUC UT.) Mei.bourxk, May 19, A searching inquiry is to be made into the action of the lifeboat crew at the wreck of the Craigburn. The Minister of Customs finds that neglect lay either with the Customs Department or with the telegraph officials. May 20. Mr David Christie Murray has returned to England. Adelajde, May 19. Major-General Downes, being interviewed as to the work of the Defence Commission, in answer to a question as to whether New Caledonia holds any position of menace towards Eastern Australia, said he was decidedly of opinion there was. From information ho had gathered, there were about 3000 French troops there, and the male convicts, to the number of about 9000, were being drilled with wooden guns. This drill was of a nature to fit the men to take part in a land attack. Brisbane, May 19. The Rockhampton conspiracy cases are concluded. The judge summed up dead against the prisoners, but the jury disagreed, and were given three days to consider their verdict. Rockhami'Ton, May 19. Intelligence has been received in to.vn to the effect that the unionists intend to make a more desperate resistance to free labourers on the Bimerah station than they have previously offered. It is reported that unionists are threatening to make the Bimerah the Waterloo of the present struggle. Sydney, May 20. In tins House of Assembly Sir H. Parkes gave notice of motion approving of the Federal Constitution as drawn up at the leitrnt conference, but reserving the right to propose omissions and amendments, and providing that the latter be considered at a convention similar in constitution to the last, and also that the question as dealt with by the House lie.submittal to the people in their electoral capacity for a final approval. The debate on the Address-in Reply on the speech fiom the Throne is proceeding. Mr G. H. Reid, the member for Sydney East has moved an amendment to the effect that the Federal ('•institution is not just to the colonies with regard to the power of raising revenue, taxation, the omission of responsible Government, and the general commercial management of railways aud river system, without assuming the obligations connected therewith.