AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2992, 17 September 1891, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(lIY KLECTBIC TELEGRAPH-COPVKI(iIIT). Sydney, .September 15 The Government has promised to hold an enquiry into the allegations of illtreatment of stokers on board the cruiser Mildnra. It is alleged that two watches will shortly be eourt-inartialled for refusing duty owing to extra work entailed by the failure of the engines to do the amount of work required. The men complain bitterly of their quarters. September l(>. In their oliicial report on the loss of the barque Ellen, the Board expresses an opinion that the vessel was dangerously leaky, under-manned, and insufficiently provided with oflieers ; that she was improperly handled in the gale, and that such irregularity and want of discipline were iu consequence of the incapacity of the officers through the effect of drink. The Board considers it was not prudent to send the boat to soa with such a heavy cargo, but the owner acted well within the law. Hoiiakt, September 16. Arrangements for the amalgamation of the liank of Van Dieman's Land with the National Bunk of Tasmania arc. not yet completed, owing to the obstruction on the part of the Government. Ministers are evidently divided, and the Premier is averse to Treasury Bills being placed on the London market till the bank has obtained the requisite coin from other sources. Several other Ministers favour seuding over the Bills without these reHlrictious, and a Ministerial crisis is threatened.