The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 7

THE AGE, MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1907. A TERRIBLE FAMINE. THAW MURDER TRIAL. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. OPEN THE LANDS'! SHOCKING COLLIERY DISASTER CAN AN ACTRESS BE A CHRISTIAN? A UNITED EMPIRE, AUSTRALIAN PREFERENCE.

8PEECH BY MR. DEAKIN. LONDON, 13th April. The Auriiralaiau merchant a in London THE MISSIKG GIRL TRACE CRICHTON 0I8C0VERE0 IN 6 SYDNEY. Mi KtheWom Grace Crichton, aged 15, daughter of Alderman Arthur L.

Crichton, vhort strange disappearance from home wa first made public id the column of "The Age" oi" Thursday last, lias been found in fcvdiie) and returned to the custody of her father. The police of Victoria had acoured ibU Mate for the girl, but unavailing, and disquieting report that tthe had been seen near the river at Abbotsford made it seem likely that she had been drowned. The due that led ip her detection wa furnished to the girl's parents by Airs. George Hugbei, who with her husband and children travelled to Sydney in the same railway carriage as Grace Crichton, and took particular notice of her during the journey. The details given by Mra.

Hughes of the fid's appearance and of the luggage she bid with her were so particular that Mr. Crichton on Friday set off to Sydney to A FALL OF EARTH. FOUR MEN KILLED. SYDNEY. Sunday.

A shocking accident, by which four men met their death, and another man narrowly escaped with his Jife, happened at Scant-borough yesterday afternoon. The miner were engaged driving a tunnel, and while the four unfortunate men were working it suddenly collapsed, and quantities of earth and stone, breaking away from the root, buried the workmen. The names of those killed are: Michael Cavanagh, of Clifton, married. Joseph Uilliugion, Hurstville, single. Alfred Hunter, West Maitlaud, single.

Arthur fcelbyf Scaiborugb, single. Injured: Harry (Jarner, of Clifton, single. It up pears that the tunnel was being driven by contract for the South Chiton Colliery from a distance of about half a mile south of the present shaft. Work was commenced on the side of a hill, about 50 yanls from the South Coast Railway. The contracture, Messi-s.

Cavanagh (one of whom was killed) and A. Willis, startei their contract on Monday laxt, and had driven about 30 feet whit the accident happened. it appears that I)illinj(ton und Selby were working near1 the face, Cavanagh being near the tunnel inuutb on the left hand of the drive. Horder was a little further in, on the right hand side, and Gamer was standing near Cavanaith. but nearer the entrance.

Without warning iortion of the roof came away, pinning down Billington, fcelhy und Holder, ami a boulder also struck (farner, knocking him towards the mouth of the tunnel. Cavanagh escaped from the effects of the-fall and pluckily rushed to the rescue of his mates. He succeeded in freeing Billington from the debris which held him down, and was in the act of assisting Selby when a second fall occurred, which buried all hands under its weight. Severul men were engaged jutt outside the mouth of the tunnel, und immediately they found what had happened they rushed in, regardless of the prospect of further falls, to try und rescue the buried men. The sad news quickly spread, and hundreds of willing hands were booh on the scene, and rendered all poihle assistance.

It was wimp time, however, before the debris could be removed, and in four eases life was extinct before the rescue was nc-complHhcd. Garner's injuries were attended to. and be was conveyed to Hulli Hospital. Stimulants had to be administered while the work of releasing him was proceeding. He wns much exhausted, and in suffering severely from injury to the back and from shock.

MINER FALLS 2010 FEET. IIBATIICOTE, Sunday. An accident occurred yesterday morning at Willlan's Rcefynino, by which a miner mimed J. Hofmafi lost his life. II of man and his mate rode to the surface on a bucket.

His mate stepped off safely, but Hofman bv some means was thrown off and fell to the bottom, a distance of 2010 feet. He was terribly mutilated in the fall. Deceased was a married man with two children. A GEELONG SENSATION. WAGGONETTE CAPSIZED.

EIGHT PERSONS INJURED. GEELONG, Sunday. A sensational accident occurred in Moor- abool-strect this evening. A two-horse waggonette, which ran an excursion to Torquay, was returning down Moora-bool-strect hill, when the brakes refused to act, and till horses bolted, got beyond the control of the driver, and caused the vehicle to eaptrize near Franks' Corner. Mrs.

Newman, wife of Dr. Newman, and a little boy and a girl were in the front seat, and were thrown out, while Mr. and Mrs. and child ami Mr. and Mrs.

Alex. Lowe, who were seated at the back, had to be taken out from under the vehicle. All the passengers were more or less injured, as follows: -n Mrs. Newman, compound fracture of the left forearm. Master J.

Newman, slight concussion of the brain. Mrs. Lowe, teeth knocked out und badly-bruised. Mr. Lowe (who is carpenter), scalp wound and injuries to the spine.

Mrs. Smellic, injuries to the spine and head. Arthur Kelly (driver of the vehicle), injury to the elbow. Mr. Smellic, injury to the spine and shock.

An invalid child belonging to Mr. Smell ie escaped without a scratch. A young girl named Annie Tie lings, who lives in Yarra-street, near where the accident happened, and ran to get a closer view, was knocked down by the crowd and sustained fracture to the arm. THE DOOKIfi ACCIDENT. THE VICTIMS RECOVERING.

SHEPPARTON, Sunday. Mr. G. Graham, M.L.A., whose ankle was fractured in the vehicle accident which befell the members of the Council of Agricultural Education near Dookie on Friday, did nut pass a good night on Saturday, ow ing to an internal trouble. He "picked up" about 2 p.m.

to-day, and at latest advices was cheerful and progressing fairly satisfactorily. The broken ankle was set by Drs. Flora nee and Kelly, and this afternoon the patient was allowed to sec some members of his family and friends. Mr. T.

Langdon, M.L.A., has recovered well, and expects to be able to leave by Monday's train for Melbourne. Mr. Duffus, "Secretary for Agriculture, is also progressing favorably. Mr. Yeo and Mr.

Kyle arc still sull'cring severely from shock, and will not be able to leave the college for several days. Mr. Pye is about, but has not recovered from the shock. At the time of the accident he retained his hold of the reins, otherwise the result might have been more serious. All the patients siieak in the warmest terms of the first aid services rendered by Mrs.

Close, a farmer's wife, who was first on the spot. The scene of the accident is three or four miles from Dookie, and some time elapsed before medical aid could be procured. Since the accident was made known by "The Age," telegrams of sympathy with the sufferers have been received from all parts of the State. The Acting Premier, Mr. Davies.

sent telegrams of sympathy on Saturday to Mr. Graham. MX. and Mr. E.

G. Duffus, Secretary for Agriculture, who were severely injured in the buggy accident at Dookie on Friday. PERTH BABY FARMING. MRH. MiTCIIKIX OU1LTY OF PERTH.

Sunday. The concluding stage of one of the moat Wcslern Autralinl) criminal history, the trinl of Alice Mitchell for tho wilful murder ot the winy iiootn, in the Criminal Court yes terday. All the week tho' court had been crowded, nna ycsicrciay it um, tn at At o.ii p.m. iim jni; jaier reiurnea a vi laughter, with a rider drawinn attention to the disgraceful neglect in the administration of the law for the protection of infant life. Mrs.

lUltch-ll wa remanded until Monday for sentence. RATsTs BUIiGLARS. STEAL JEWBIXERY AND MONEY. SYDNEY. Sunday.

A ftuDDosecl burglary at the house of Mia Alice Mead, lliver-ntreet, Canterliury, has been explained. Some relatives and friends of Miss Mead were paying her a visit, and as every one was going out on Monday one of ber friends secreted 35 in gold and some jewellery under the flooring hoards in a bedroom. When the cash was wanted on Tuesday both it And the jewellery Imd riiMnDfttrcri. Thp notice were rnmunirnted with, and they discovered a handkerchief in wnrn tne smcies nam Deen wrapneu iclnsit to a rat hoi. Tho nits' nest was cleared out.

and the money end jewels nrougnt to light. QUESTION OF PUBLICITY. ATTITUDE OF FEDERAL PREMIER. LONDON. I4tb April.

In connection with the Imperial Con ference, which is to be opened on Monday, great interest is being centred in the question whether the proceedings will be open to the press, or whether they will be held in camera, as on previous occasions. Mr. Alfred Deakin, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, warmly advocates the fullest publicity being giveu on almost all Questions. He has written to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the British Prime Minister, protesting again secrecy, and insisting that at least a pretty full precis of the proceedings shall be made public daily, disclosing the sentiments ot the different speakers. The Commonwealth Prime Minister re ferred to the matter at a luncheon which was tendered to him and to Mr.

W. Hughes, M.P. (Australia) by the editor of the "Daily Chronicle." The luncheon was given to enable the guests to meet the editors of a dozen Liberal newspapers. Mr. Deakin, on behalf of the colonial Premiers, strongly urged Lord Elgin, Secre tary of State for the Colonies, to admit the press to the Conference.

He declared that the Premiers did not leave their posts for four months Jo sit with closed doors anil Keep meir constituencies in ignorance of what they were doing in matters that vitally concerned them. Sir Francis Hopwood, Permanent Secretary of the Board of states that the press will be excluded from the open ing of the Conference, but the subsequent procedure will be det emptied by the mem bers of the Conference. It is exacted that the British Prime Min ister. Sir Henry Camjibcll-Bnnnerman, will not take any active part in the Conference. The general belief is that ho will merely formally welcome the colonial Ministers.

and make a non-committal reference to the programme, leaving Lord Elgin to conduct the proceedings. The colUfeiul Premiers are very dissatisfied at the prospect of the British Prime Minister taking such a small part in the Conference. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman stutes that the British Ministers will attend the Conference when business affecting their departments is being discussed. Lord Elgin hopes that fifteen sittings, extending Co 8th May, will be sufficient to disnose of the business before the Conference, though he has expressed a doubt as to whether the proceedings will be finished by that time. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada, and General Louis Botha, Premier of the Transvaal, arrived in London yesterday for the purpose of attending the Conference.

PREFERENTIAL TRADE. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VOTE. LONDON, 13tli April. The London Chamber qf Commerce has decided to inform the Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, that at the recent poll of its members taken on the question of establishing preferential trade and imposing a tax on imports a' large majority voted in favor of protection. The free-trade group in the Chamber has insisted that the Prime Minister shall also be informed that the poll included only 1519 votes (1077 for nnd 472 against) out of a membership of 3200.

The "Westmuister Gazette," in discussing the question of giving preference to colonial products, states that the Government cannot consent to changes being made in the basis of the fiscal system of tie country. A COPPER C0MPANF. CRITICISM REFUTED. 13th April. A special meeting of the Union Consul! dated Copper MiYies, which was formed tc wnrtf m-nim nf minna in (ii nines iroin lynuliurst, was held yesterday.

The chairman, Mr. E. Lowenstein (Melbourne), and Mr. A. J.

Miller (Melbourne), one of the directors, refuted the recent criticism that had been levelled against tlie company. ri'he "Money Market Review." ,1 weekly financial paper published in London, re-ecntly warned investors against the Union Consolidated Copper Mines and the Lynd-lmrst Copper Company it stated, cerium London papers were assiduously pufling. The Union Consolidated Copper Mmoi No Liability, which was floated in London nt tile end of vcar, has a nominal capital, 150,000, of which 110,000 was reserftd for working capital. Ino total area embraced in the mines 000 acres. In an official report, dated 12th February, it was stated "Open cuts producing plenty of ore of high grade; large sui plies in readiness for smelters.

Output during last fortnight, 350 tons, valued at 10 per cent. EASTERN NAVIES. DREADNOUGHTS FOR LONDON, 12th April. Tlie monster battleship of 21,000 tons, of the Dreadnought type, which the Japanese Government has ordered from an Knglish firm at a cost of 2,250,000, is to be coin-pletcd by the year WOO. She will carry twelve 12-ineh guns, ten 8 2-5th-inch, nnd twelve 4.7-inch guns.

A sister ship is being built in Japan. CHINA'8 NEW NAVY. rcports tlmt "vy which the Chinese Government is cstab- "e'8 Tlie vessels of the new navy will include a dozen submarines, NEW ZEALAND. ARBITRATION ACT DEFENDED. TlYnAW mix April.

Mr. Reeves, the High. or New Zealand, has written a ktter to the "Time," in regard to the re-, cent strikes in New Zealand. 1 He ridicules the suggestion that these a .1, "'ui. ine Arbitration Act has broken down, nnd that the arbitra- trial ZwtZ.

indu- ENCOURAGING EMIGRATION. WOOLWICH WORKMEN. LONDON, 12th April. A number of men employed in the Wool-wich Arsenal have received their discharges in conscqnence of the decision of the War Othce to reduce the hands employed the gun factory, the royal laboratory and the carriage department. When the men were given their dis-charge, they were also presented with printed information respecting emigration to the colonies and, to foreign countries.

TUB MAIL STEAIUSBS. Au.tr.1i. fr" 11th mpLFl'S HCJtAA J'J'g' Tones the system and ensures health i to th. debilitated. It la a powerful aid.

and Advt JURY DISAGREE. SEVEN FOR CONVICTION. UWDOX, 13th April. Tlie jury in the case of Harry Thaw, the PitUiburg piillioruire, who was tried at New York on a charge of murdering Stanford White, was unable to agree on a verdict, after being locked up for two days, and was therefore discharged. It has been ascertained that seven of the jurymen were in favor of a verdict of murder in the first degree, and the other live were in favor of acquitting accused on the ground of insanity.

The newspapers, in discussing the result of the trial, agree iu deprecating the fact that in America, the course of justice has been impaired and delayed by the power of money, and by the introduction of confusing and irrelevant issues. The "Times" states that the trial has revealed facts which explain the strong animosity towards a certain clan of millionaires, who, knowing nothing of the obligations of wealth or the graces often eomrtlg in its train, seek escape from sheer boredom in unrefined excitements. DIVORCE CASE. ELOPEMENT TO AUSTRALIA. LONDON', 12th April.

In the Divorce Court toigincer-Lieu ten-nnt E. W. Chamberliiin uppl'iej for tho (tigftolution of his with hU wife on the ground of her duet with Sir Brodrick Hartwell, formerly a lieutenant in the LeicesterHhire regiment. Evidence was given to show tlmt Sir Brodrick Hartwell and Mrs. Chamberlain luul eloped to Australia.

The judge stated that he was satisfied with the evidence regarding misconduct on tho part of respondent and co-respondent, but he udjourned the cukc in order that proof of tho marriage of Lieutenant Chamberlain and might be given. THE ELOPEMENT. SEARCH FOK TREASURE Sir Brodrick Cecil Hartwell and a lady, who in believed to have been Mrs, Chamberlain, were on board the schooner Stanley which some months no sailed for Mid-dleton Reef in search of sunken treasure. The Black wall liner Ramsay was wrecked on that reef 23 years back when on a voyage from Brisbane to London. The greater part of her cargo consisted of wool, and this was salved, but it was also said the vessel carried a largo shipment of copper.

To recover this copper was the mission of Sir Brodrick Hartwell and his party. When the tjehooner got to the rect the crew of the wrecked banjue Annasona were found there. They were taken on board and were conveyed to Norfolk Island. The Stanley then returned to Middleton Beef, and six weeks were spent iu investigating the wreck of the Ramsay, which was found in seven fathoms of water, partly lying on the reef. No trace of the popper shipment was discoverable.

The Stan-Icy reached Sydney last week. EIGHT HOURS IN MINES. LONDON, 1.3th April. The bill to restrict the hours of labor in coal mines to eight hours was read a second time in the House of Commons yesterday without division. Mr.

Herbert Gladstone, Home Secretary, in accepting the principle of the measure, declared that such a bill was necessary, and many of its clauses could be. rendered workable. VISIT TO WINDSOR. LONDON, 13th April. Sir William Lyne, the Commonwealth Minister of Customs, and Mr.

Dugatd Thomson, M.P. (Australia), who have been, attending the Imperial Navigation Conference, were escorted over Windsor Castle and l'Vogmore by Earl Bcuuuhamp, captain of the Gentlemen at Arms in the Royal Household, who was formerly Governor of New South Wales. THE LONDON MARKETS. LONDON, 13th April. FROZEN MEAT.

New Zealand Sheep. Crossbred wethers and nui id en ewes, Canterbury, light, 48 to 55 mcduw, 56 to 04 3 heavy, 04 to 72 3jjd.fr Southland, SO to 04 none ottering; North Island, 55 to 63 ordinary, best, Sid. Australian Sheep. Crossbred and merino wethers, heavy, 50 to 05 light, 40 to 50 3il. River Plate felieep.

Crossbred and medium wethers, heavy, 50 to light, 40 to 50 3 13-1 (id. New Zealand Lambs. Canterbury, light, 28 to 30 medium, 30 to 42 6 heavy, 42 to 50 Souihkmd, 28 to 42 none offering; North island, 28 to 42 4 13-lGd. Australian Lambs. Best brands, 28 to 42 fair quality, 28 to 42 inferior quality, 28 to 42 4d.

River i'laio Lambs. to 42 none ottering. River Plate Beef. Ox fores, 100 to 220 hinds, 160 to 220 3Jd. Australian Beef.

Ox fores, 100 to 2U0 none ollciing; ox hinds, 160 to 200 none oflcriug. River Plate Beef. Ox fore, IG0 to 220 ox hinds. 100 to 220 The above prices are on the UVeragc Old. per lb.

more than the values ex ship, this difference representing an average cost of expenses, handling, conveyance and selling the meat. Smi tli field market quotations for the abovcincutioned classes of frozen meats are based on actual sales of not less than 100 carcases of mutton or lamb, or 25 quarters of beef, of fair average quality. These quotations are not for selected par-eels, but are fairly representative of the bulk of tiic shipments now ou the market. METALS Copper. On spot.

.94 10 to Cl4 15; and at three months. 03 to .05 5. Tin. On Bpot, 14 10 to 185; and at three months, 183 to 183 10. Lead.

Soft foreign pig lend, 10 15 to 10 176. LINSEED OIL. Blundell and pence's best double boiled oil is quoted at 20J per gallon. COPRA. Prices are unchanged.

HIDES. Business neglected. Sydney best heavy eclliug at 6d. LEATHER. Basils have declined Old.

per lb. HEMP. 9 The market is flat. April-June shipment quoted at 34 5 to 34 10. WHEAT.

Sales of wheat are reported as follow: Invermay, 0000 quarters, loading at Wallaroo, 17,000 quarters South Australia April-May phipmcnt. 13,500 quarters Australian April-lMay shipment, at 306; 12.500 quarters South Australian loading, at 306; 8000 quarters ex Dee from Adelaide at 307i, and H.000 quarters ex Gucrvcur from Gec-long 20th February, ot 301J per 430 lbs. C', f' MINING SHARES. Ruycrn. Sellers.

AfWocintd II 8 I CI II Hmkm Hill Proprletuy. 4 IS 1 4 14 4 llrliUh Ilrohn Hill 1 18 200 Itrnlon Hill Mock 10 6 0 8 7 6 Prokfti Hill North 3 10 0 a 17 6 llrnkrn Hill Kuutl 7 K. 0 7 17 fl riilllarxoe 0 0 0., 0 10 0 On at niltlcr 18 0,. 140 Ivnnhw 7 12 0 7 15 0 I.nke ViMT 0 13 0,, 0 10 3 (Jrrat Cohnr 10 0 0 10 2 fl IxHltlon Valley 0 10 8 0 IS 9 1'RICE OF SILVER. 14th April.

Bur silver was quoted yea ten! ay at 26 710 per oz. standard a rise of Ojd. since Friday. ncerlvcd" by Hewn. I1Cly miiPC.

T.ondnn, 12h April. lllctiw, tamlicr and Burls: At tlie auction mIm to-'lay the m.irkct wa dull, with a down w.i rd tendency. NOTHiNQ LIAS 80 AP, Pure soap, food soap, Map. Puttf STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. An interesting statement wa made bj the Jkliui.ier ut Land.

Mr. Maekey. oa Saturday upon the of the eaudua vi Jm men tu other and the iailuia ul the Uiiida deparlmeiit to meet the de uidiid lor laud. Jir. JUckcy auled that he had arranged tu luiuw uien auothec 6twt aerca oi tiie Muoruiiiool turret, in tho patuihe.

oi liaiiie.lun and SVuroo. 'I'ha ulaiu lor tin, laud will be uuued neiC week, and the dale for making appueatiou will be so arranged that the un.uicu.alul uiplicanla ior llie area oi aerea lirac Ui, own open wid be aole tu apply lor tho luituer area. J-or Lie area at preaenc open there are over 400 applicants lor ui blocks, mid tiiofce who are be-ioie tuu laud board will have all oppoituu. ily oi app.jini! lur the additional area, which win oe divided nito bclweeu 30 and blocks. Mr.

-Macaoy also suya that some further areas aggregating several thousands ol acres will be brown open this week. Within the pust few weeks, hu poiius out, the department has made avail-able aciea ut Alooiinboul, which, with tlie additional WHjo acres, will make) 2U.IXKJ acres, aud il.lwu acres ou the disputed territory. The board to deal with, llie applications for the latter will sit this) week. It is an interesting luct that a number of the applicants lor the Moorni-bool hind are Horn South Wales, while numbers of South Australians ura applying lor blocks on disputed tern, lory. Speaking of the number of farmers wlm are goinx to (-jueenslaud and New Soutlt Wales, Mr.

ilaekey said that irom thj very earliest times drafts of the more energetic, enterprising Victorians had been going to New South Wales und Qucciialanit and taking up land. This hud been tho case for llie last at) or 40 years. It luut been said that one could go from Melbourne to the liulf of Carpentaria without leaving; Victorian land on the way. This migration bad not been contincd to the country, but upplied also to the great cities, busi-nesH men having left Melbourne and successfully established businesses in othce capitals. It wns the very success of our farmers on Victorian land that had mailt) it possible for them to go to New South Wales nnd Queensland.

Their faniilica were (trowing up around tbein, they had done remarkably well here, they were selling out at high prices, and wcro hoping to get in at liottom prices in Queensland. They were the class of men who would not look at 'Moormbool or Croa-jingolong. They were moneyed men who, i they were to apply for that land, would not have their applications looked at by the land officers. They were not the class of men to whom the Government would give land. They had land, and had had their Victorian "innings," and were now, going elsewhere.

When he (Mr. Mackay) was in (lippsland the other day it was suggested that some of these people were leaving because they could not get land in Victoria, and it was instantly pointed out that most of the men leaving Gippsland were men who had done remarkably well on the land. The plain facta were that Victoria for many years had the most liberal land laws of any State in Australia. Jn con-sopiciicc of that circumstance, and the fact that we had a small area as compared with New South Wales and Queensland, nearly the whole of our good land had been taken up. The land laws of Queensland and New South Wales bad only been hrought up to date within tho last few years, and that fact, together with their large areas, had enabled thorn to place land at the disposal of settlers in areas and of a quality that ictoria had not now left.

The men who were leaving Victoria were men who had fought and won the battle, and thev wcro not going to cut down trees again, nor were their sons going to do so, becauso they were well olf. The movement from ictoria had been going on for a long period. The only thing now about it waa that attention hail been called to it, and properly so. He hoped that would have good effect. Owing to our bracing climate and the stock from which they had descended the Victorian people tho most active and enterprising in Australia, l'or all time that must be so.

The history of Australia would be that the northern States, with their oppressive, enervating climate, causing the population to be mora sappy and Italianised than that of Victoria, would be recruited from time to time by fresh drafts of men from Victoria. He had no objection, Air. llackey continued, to the criticism that bad been levelled at the Lands department. As long as it was not based on misconception, criticism was a powerful stimulus to tho and his officers, and even when it was based upon misconception it was valuable if its expression enabled tlie misconception to be cleared away. Criticism made tiicm look around to see whether this tendency was inevitable, whether they could not prevent its reaching too great a magnitude, and whether they could not do something to retain as many of our people aa possible.

It was a fac that there was a 'large area ot land in Victoria lit for settlement that had not yet been made available owing to special reasons. Directions wero given twelve months ago, before lie took olhcc, that great ureas nf land were not to be made available pending the construction of roads and railways. Take the case of the Beech Forest, for instance. The Railways Manding Committee reported in favor of the extension of the railway conditionally on the land being loaded. Tho construction of the railway had not- been authorised by Parliament.

Hence it wim impracticable for the Lauds department to alienate the land unloaded, or to load it on a condition that might not be fulfilled within a reasonable time. If the land was alienated without being loaded the railway would bo jeopardised. The same thing applied to the Whitlicld line The sama consideration with regard to loads and railways applied to the land at Croajingolong. lie intended to bring all these questions up anew. He was bound by restrictions imposed before he came into othce, restrictions for which there was a great deal of reason, and those reasons furnished the answer whether adequate or not to the question constantly asked, "Why is not the land thrown open?" Then there was the malice land, where the Iinds department had a specific request from the Water Supply department that it should not deal with uny of the land for the present, because the Water Supply department had not formulated its ideas of what should be done to supply water.

With regard to other land lying idle, the Crown could insist upon its being used during the probationary period of its purchase, but when the conditions had been fullillcd the Crown had no power to compel the owner to use it. The position in regard to grazing areas was that some million1) of acres were let on grazing lease over which the Crown bad no control ns long ns the tenants conformed to the very easy covenants in their leases. These leases nominally conic to un end in 1IK20, but by the practice of the department, not by any right of law, the present holders were able to select up to GUI acres out of their areas, and the lease might be surrendered in turn to each member of the family, who could select to the same extent. so that they cuuld onlyexpcct very small portion of this laud to come back to the State Ho would bring all these questions before the Cabinet. GlPI'SLANn DEVELOPMENT.

IIEVVTKLD, Sunday. Tn March last the Public Works department intimated that 10.01)0 would b. spent in road and bridge making in the Macnlisler Valley and the remote parish of I.icoLi on conditions that freeholders would ive land for deviations, nnd all grazing lloeks would he loaded JO ner acre. All the property owners consenlcd to give the land ncccssarv for deviations, but an emphatic obicction was made to the loading proposal. These facts wero duly reported to the and he now asks the grazing lessees to state what amount of loading thev will agree to.

lie is also inquiring whether freeholders arc willing to coa-tlibute towards the cost. At a meeting of property owners and grazing lessees, held at (llenmnggic, tho lMi-gaiuiug spirit of the (joverniucnt was drpiccuivd. One speaker remarked that about acres of Crown lands would be taken up if the road were made, and large portion of it would be selected at 10 per acre. A resolution waa carried declining to contribute unless means of roniiniinicution were provided. If loading is pcrsi-ted in, the Licola settlers state, they will be compelled to abandon their holdings nnd seek land elsewhere.

RALE OF TAXtTrANO ESTATE. PENDKIO. Sunday. There was a good attendance on Satur day, when Messrs. John Watson and Co, sold the Tang Tang Kstato, adjacent to the Jbngcn railway station.

Several lota sold exceptionally well, whilo the bidding for others was dull, and the; wcro passed in. The following were the sale, at auction: 5000 DEATHS A DAY. CANNIBALISM BEGINNING. LONDON, 13th April. Terrible dintrea.

been caiiued by Hie famine which ha. eiiated for some uiuulha Kmt iu the northern portion of the province of Kianx-au, in China, and has now reuched a modt acute slutte. It i estimated that 3,000,000 people are nearing atorvation, and that the death, are 5000 daily. Cannibalism i. beginniuE, and parent, are exchanging their children to eat a.

food. Toward, the 3,000,000 required for the relief of the distress China has contributed 800,000, und an additional 100,0110 hu been received from It is impossible to raise iu China all the rest of the money required. NAVIGATION CONFERENCE. AUSTRALIAN PRINCIPLES ENDOR8ED. LONDON', 12th April.

Mr. William HilKhcs. l'. (Australia), who has been attending the Imperial Navigation Conference a one of the delegates of the Commonwealth, has been interviewed by a prcsH representative. He stated that the Commonwealth had every right to be satisfied with the results of tho Navigation Conference, as it hid assented to principles regarding Australian shipping which hitherto had been the subject of hostile criticism in Ureat liri- NEW HEBRIDES.

JOINT COMMISSION. THE COLONIES IGNORED. LONDON, 1.1th April. In regard to the statement made in the House of Commons by Sir Kdward Grey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Australia and Now Zealand would probably appoint their own representatives to the Anglo-French committee which is being appointed to consider the salaries and conditions of service of the ofUcials of the joint court in the New Hebrides, Mr. Deakin, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, and Sir Joseph Ward, Premier of New Zealand, stnte that they have received no invitation to appoint representatives to any committee.

Since they have not been consulted, about the matter they are rather disposed not to assume any responsibility. Mr. Deakin will raise the whole question of the administration of the New Hebrides at the firwt opportunity after the Imperial Conference is opened. He intends to lay stress on tho fact of French steamers conveying intoxicants to the group. CARGO ON EIRE.

LONDON, 13th April. A fire broke out in the -main hold of the Aparima, 3084 tons (belonging to the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand Limited), while she was on a voyage from Calcutta to New Zealand. The vessel put in to Singapore. The damaged cargo is now being unloaded preparatory, to a survey being made. MAIL CONTRACT.

LONDON, 13th April. Nothing will be done respecting the contract for the Australian mails untd the syndicate which obtained the contract moves the matter. Mr. Deakin, the Commonwealth Prime Minister, who held a preliminary conference with the members of the syndicate, is now waiting for it to go on with the eon-tract or to explain its position. It is probable that the matter will remain in abeyance pending the return of Mr.

Tre-visa Clarke, who recently visited Australia as a representative of the syndicate. GENERAL CABLE NEWS. LONDON, 13th April. The Broken Hill South i been registered, with a nominal capital of The British and Anntrnlncinn Loan Co. Ltd.

has declared a prolit of tne past year. The directors Ill-Otiose to add 3000 tn thn m.n,i-n fntirl and to carry 11,108 forward to this year. MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY. PROPOSED TWO DAILY EXPRESSES. TELEPHONE LINE TO BE DOUBLED.

If the irlpn.1 nf ttin nnd Mr. Mauger can be carried out, and wis cu-upcruiion tne llailway Commissioners can be secured, the links of communication between Melbourne and Sydney will be doubled within the next twelve nionths. The growth of business between the two cities in the, way of goods and passenger traffic and postal and telegraphic work has, it is said, been remarkable during the past two or three years. Speaking on Saturday, Mr. Chapman said: "The examination of the question of sorting the English mails either on steamers between Fremantle ond Adelaide, or on the trains between Adelaide and Sydney via Melbourne, lias brought to light tho fact that the daily express trains -Oe-tu-een Melbourne and Sydney ure now so very heavy that the addition of another big van for sorting might necessitate an extra train.

This fact may lead to the putting joiof two expresses daily between the two cities. 1 am strongly in favor myself of 'two expresses a day one in tho morning and the other in the afternoon. In the present daily express it is often dilHcult to get a seat. If the Commissioners met us 8eneral Public in this matter we should be prepared to make concessions. Just as in the new mail contracts wemcan I to make it plain that we will give a higher rate for a motor car service if it is quicker ciui-ii'iii, uuui any oiner service, so we shall be prepared to pay tlie railways where they gwe us better services." Dealing with the trunk telephone line now being rapidly constructed between Melbourne and Sydney, Mr.

Chapman said that communications betweeen intermediate places touched by the line would be completely subordinated to conversations between the two "capitals. The Minister also stated that in due course a second telephone trunk line would be completed, so that one line could he used for the conversations between intermediate towns and the other for through message between Melbourne and Sydney. When the duplication of the telephone lino would come about would, of course, depend on the traffic over the line now being built, but he had very high hopes in this connection. Finally Mr. Chapman made the welcome that an additional telegraph line is to be constructed at once between Melbourne and Sydney, on existing poles.

He also remarked that he had accumulated nearly all the information he required wilh respect to tho building of a second new telegraph line to Sydney by another mute. hat that route would be he could not for the moment indicate, but, he added. "I expect it will go somewhere on the eastern, side, and probably through the Eastern Monaro district." BAY EXCURSIONS. "V(m. HiM.rt.

PirWr ind To. notify that for Hip rest of the present sraon (Siturunys unci excepted) the llyirein will run spefial cVan ttifw. To-osy snd to-morrow nho lesves Port Mcl-hrnune rsllway pier at lo.so a.m. for UueenneMIT sn-1 Porrenlo. PpiFBOTtW 1 lb.

Pel, Jt 'ttrMt, hrtnreen Collins and tittle CdIIHii streets Block-arcade, Mrrbounn. Adrt.J MISS WARD AT COLLIXGWOOD. Miss Ada Ward addrcatcd crowded meetings in the Colling wool town lull afternoon and evening. tluudrcU of people were unable to obtain mati. In the evening Mis Ward delivered a homily on the parable of the pnidigal ton.

Alter expounding the lessons she incidentally referred to the controversy which haa been proceeding regarding her utterancca concerning the theatrical profession and iU iumiupatubility with the Christian life. Miaa Ward stated that tilie hud received numerouM assurances from members of the theatrical profession th.it her utrictute wore well founded. One young woman had Written from Sydney, stating that she took to the stage when fourteen years of age. She had to play the part of a isolate woman, the influence oh which character upon herself could not be other than demoralising. Aa a matter of fact, she (the writer) had taken to cigarette smoking and drinking.

It ws her custom after tho theatre to adjourn to a club, where carousing would he continued uiith '2 a.m. Hhe felt that the denunciations of Miss Ward were well limed and correct, but she could not see her way out of tlie toils which had enmenhed her. Mi-s Ward alo Mated that a Melbourne actress had likewise supported her altitude. "They know I am ritrht," ho exclaimed. I love thoKe dear theatrical people.

I know of their goodness to each other. 1 want them, my brothers and sisters, as they are, to come out for Christ. If two or three actresses would only come otit and take a stand by my side, others would soon followhundreds, I believe and they would sow the good seed for a niUL-h greater reaping. When 1 return to Ixjndon I want to get to work with the object of forming a real stage guild, and in the meantime there will be many prayers sent up for the success of that idea. Ministers will be communicated with toward that end.

1 believe a mighty work to be done amongst the profession. Something must be done, and soon. Riht throughout England there is an unxatis-lied feeling amongst Hie theatricals, I believe it is so liere. They know that they only act a part. They go to rehearsals and work hard, but have no ambition outside that.

What is life to them? It is hollow, artificial. They are ready for the message." Someone, the speaker continued, had referred her to a letter in the press over the name of Tittell Brune on the question, Can an actress be a Christian? Her informant said. "Miss Trttel! Brune did nut write that letter. We all know that. We know the man who wrote it." "These good friends of mine urge me not to be hurt by what appears in the press.

Miss Ward resumed, and I am not. I love the dear people. I say also to my brother and sister theatricals, 'Do not be angry; don't be hurt at what I say. I am only a messenger of God, and He wants his word planted in this good PoiL. Try to be better; live better.

Extend your influence. I know the conditions of your life and the temptations which surround Miss Ward" informed her audience that an offer had been made her to return to the stage as "the evangelist actresH," It was pointed out that she might do a great work amongst the profession by that course, but she knew the work and the life of the professionals, and clearly saw the inutility of the "peculiar and strange" proposal. She received hundred of letters ertcouraging her to persevere in her present work. MINERS AND LAND OWNERS TWO INTERESTING CASES. BRIGHT, Sunday.

A case of importance to land owners and dredging companies was heard on Friday by Judge Johnston iu the Bright court of mines. P. V. Tcwksbury, dredge owner, sought to. acquire for dredging purposes a block of nearly 20 acres at Eurobin, on tho Ovens River, about midway between Bright and Myrtleford, from the owner, Harry Walkear, farmer and grazier.

The parties failed to come to terms, and the matter was taken into the warden's court The warden awarded Walkear 16 per acre, to be paid within three months-Against this decision Tcwksburv annealed. and the ease was reargued before Judge Johnston on Friday. A number of experts gave evidence that the land was worth from 5 10 to 7 per acre. Walkear and a number of farmer neighbors, on the other hand, fixed the' value at 20 per acre, and Mr. T.

idler, a potato grower, said he would pay 15 to 20 per annum per acre for a lease of the land. The judge fixed the amount payable at 7 per acre, a reduction of 0 on the warden's determination- Costs to the ex tent of 20 were allowed. AN ANTIMONY CLAIM. KiLMORE, Sunday. A case in which the relations of miner and land owner came under review was heard yesterday by Mr.

I Cohen, noting warden. Gregory G. Anderson applied 'for a gold mining lease of portion of Woodburn Estate, three miles from Kilmore. Mr. T.

H. Payne, M.L.C., owner of the property, objected mainly on the ground that gold did not exist in payable quantities on the. ground. The annlieant said the land would graze about one sheep to the acre. Twenty years ago he prospected it, and got assays of 10 per cent, antimony and a little gold, but as at that time appliances did not exist for conveniently separating these meUds he abandoned the claim.

iow no nau a syndicate behind him, and could separate gold from antimony. The warden said he would forward the evidence to the Minister for his consideration. POSTAL REFORMS. NEW TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE LINES. The Postmaster-General announced on Saturday that he had given instructions for the following new telegraph and telephone lines to be built without delay: 1.

Tcleitmpli I.i no. Sydney to Wyalong. To bo built liy tlu- ilcpartnifnt. 2. TeUyrarth Lint.

ti leu lnncs to Urnfton, Tcnterlli'ld und Casino. To be built by the department. 3. Tch-i-hotie Tiunk Line. Newcastle ond Sydney.

Tt ndew to In? called. 4. Mm-. Adelaide and Ptrth. Tenders to be vailed.

Urgent requirements in other States are to be dealt with this week, either by Mr. Chapman or Mr. Mauger, in consultation with Mr. R. T.

Scott. Mr. Hcsketh and tlie Deputy Postmasters-General, now sitting iu conference in this city. Where there is a pressing need parliamentary approval is to be anticipated, and Government workmen will start operations at once. In all large and more leisurely works a vote is to be requested, and tenders called.

SENDING OFFICERS ABROAD. Further reference was made on Saturday by the Post master-General to his scheme for sending Postal departmental officers abroad regularly, in order to keep Australia continually in touch with the latest developments. Mr. Chapman said tlmt two or three, certainly two, otitcers would be sent abroad. One must be possessed of engineering and technical knowledge, so as to enable him to prolit by technical telephonic and telegraphic inventions; and tho other must be a postal expert.

"My department is so big," Mr. Chapman added; "its business is growing so rapidly, and Is so closely touching the daily life of he people, that we arc obliged to take this means of keeping ourselves as the Defence department and every big concern docs nowadays in line with the latest developments." NEW TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. Now that the site for the new central telephone exchange 'has bean chosen, the Department for Home Affairs, instructed by the Postmaster-General, is busy preparing for the work of designing and construction. The exchange building will be in harmony with the architecture of the Law Courts close by, but will not be on so elaborate or costly a scale. It will embrace a basement and two floors, and at the hack entrance, in Little Kourkc-strret.

accommodation for stores and 'pare plant will be pro-viiledi Tender will be invited before the end of tho month. An result tif the Empire Rnuinr 1nt wwk at Mentone, In aid of the local Roman Calliollo Churcb, a lum of attOO hat been mlled gave a banquet lat night at the Trocadero to the visitiug colonial Minister. The Earl of Jersey (formerly Governor of New South Wales) presided, end there were 150 people present, including bic George Sydenham Clarke (late Gover nor of Victoria), Sir Thomas t'owell liux-ton (a former Governor of South Austra lia), Sir Malcolm M'JCacharn. Sir Mon- taaue Nelson. Mr.

Lucas Tooth, Captain It. M. Collin (London representative of the Commonwealth) and the Agents-General of the Australian States. The toast of A United Empire, coupled with the name of Mr. Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister of the Cqm mon wealth, was proposed by the chairman.

He declared that Mr. Dcakin's lofty ideals and his honored career were among the treasures of the Empire. Mr. Deakin. who had an enthusiastic re ception on rising to respond, stated that the loss sustniued by the illness ot Mr.

Joseph Chamberlain was felt iu the ex tremities of the Empire. Ihe hrst ana greatest means of attaining a united Km-pi re was by co-operation in mutual defence. The question of defence was on an unsatis factory basis at present, because the colonies were incomplete nnd growing communities, and were hardly strong enough to assume a full share of the burdens and responsibilities which they undoubtedly would claim hereafter. Meanwhile they re quired some voice if they shared in the responsibilities of action. The Commonwealth Prime Minister went cn to refer to the unequalled visible un touched mineral resources of Australia and the immense possibilities of its fruitful soil.

He hoped that tlie stream of vigorous British emigration would he diverted to Ads tralia. He declared that be was unable to un derstand those who despised trade as a means of uniting the Empire. He emphatically denied that Australians regard ed preference as an ingenious device to benefit themselves at the expense of the motherland. Preference with all the advantage on one side would soon fail. Australia had made a business proposition of mutual preferences for mutual advantage.

If the motherland considered the offer valueless Australians would be the last to press its acceptance. He failed to understand Great Britain's attitude of timidity and fear of what other nations -would think. Australia1 had proposed to give preference to British goods, carried in British Bhips, manned by British seamen, but it did not intend to come as a suppliant soliciting some concessions for her weakness or her needs. He hoped the adoption of nn Imperial policy would remove the motherland's present at titude of despondency, hesitancy and uncer tainty. "What we have let us hold, for wo can hold it by our own people," concluded Mr.

Deakin. The toast of British-Australasian Trade was proposed by Sir John Cockburn, and was replied to by Sir William Lyne, the Commonwealth Minister of Customs. The latter stated that it was necessary to quicken the British interest in the Austra lian Commonwealth, which apparently was little thought of here. Many people in Great Britain did not seem to want Austra lian trade, hut the colonial Premiers hoped to induce Great Britain to- take the pro ducts of British people instead of the pro ducts, of foreigners. Australians would be able to supply produce cheaper than it could be obtained elsewhere if Great Bn tain would take it.

AN ADVISORY COUNCIL. NAVAL DEFENCE PROBLEM. In the M'Ewan Hall, at tho University of Edinburgh on Friday, the ceremony was performed of conferring the degree of Doctor of Laws on Sir Joseph Ward, Premier of New Zealand; Dr. Jameson, Pre mier of Oape Colony, and Mr. F.

R. Moor, Premier of Natal. There were 3000 people present nnd great enthusiasm was ex hibited. The ceremony was performed by Sir Ludovic James Grant, Regius Professor of Public Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University. In conferring the degree on Sir Joseph Ward, Professor Grant remarked that the dominnnt characteristics of the New Zea land Premier were perseverance, energy and rare business capacity.

A banquet was given to the colonial Premiers by the University unions. Sir Joseph Ward, in replying to the toast of his health, said that personally he was very hopeful that the historical Imperial Conference would prove resultful. It was almost an insult to expect anything else. If nothing were achieved there would soon be no necessity for conferences. Referring to the proposal to create an advisory lihperial Council.

Sir Joseph Ward urged tli at some body was necessary to as sist in settling great matters of Imperial and concern during the intervals between the Imperial Conferences. Unless the motherland and the colonics woke up and stood shoulder to shoulder, and acted simultaneously and vigorously, they would be unable to obtain an increase in their present trade in the face of the persistent efforts of subsidised foreign competitors, He admitted that the question of Imperial naval defence was one of great delicacy, but he contended that the necessities of the Empire demanded united practical action in order to prepare in times of peace for absolutely effective organisation for war. The speech was received with great applause. FREE CABLING FACILITIES. In a special article published in the "Times" yesterday, which forms one of the series on the Imperial Conference and lira perial Unity, the general lines of approach towards Imperial unity are indicated.

The nrticlc advocates the very cheapest if not absolutely free, cabling facilities to the colonial press as one of the essential prerequisites to any advance in the direction of Imperial partnership. EMPIRE EDUCATION FUND. The Lord Mayor, Sir William Treloar, has convened a public meeting to promote the cause of education in regard to the British Empire by establishing an Empire Education Fund for the purpose of supply ing books, maps and other information. The action taken by the Lorfl Mayor is in resnonse to a requisition presented to him, which was signed by Lord Roberts, Lord Linlithgow (formerly Governor- General of Australia). Lord St rath con a (High Commissioner for Canada), Mr, Al fred Lyttelton (Secretary of State for the Colonics in the Balfour Government) and by most of the ex-Governors of the colonies.

The meeting is to be held at the Guildhall on 23rd April. TRADE OF AUSTRALIA. LONDON. 13th Tt tina Vuton nrrnnrrofl that Rl Willi Lyne, the commonwealth Minister of Customs, will deliver an address before a meet ing oi ixmaon mere nan is on me trade and commerce of Australia. INFLUENZA Is DOtHtrelv Dravmbxl anrt anMwf ily cured or BANDER and BONS' PURR VOL ATI LB KuuAUTru BAiHAut, arena in unitpooii try and find her.

la tlus queat he was inccessful. Last night our Sydney correspondent telegraphed. as follows: ''Late to-night the girl Grace Crichton iru discovered at a house in Forbes-street, Ddrlinghurst. Detectives got on her tracks during the evening, and culled at the house, but the girl was out. Shortly before 11 o'clock they called again, with the girls father, and found she had just returned with the landlady.

She was pleased to see ber father, and he took her to the house of a friend. The girl stated that she arrived in Sydney on 30th and proceeded to a certain hotel, hut found it She then vent to a hoarding house in Forbes-street, and had lived there ever since. Her inten tion was to proceed to Manila, but in the meantime she had secured a situation, and Tvas going iu ib next iAiiOTHER GIRL'S DISAPPEARANCE. HISSING FOR A MONTH. Some singular circumstances are con nected with the disappearance of Nina May Kms, aged fourteen, a ward of the State.

which was reported in "The Age" of Sutur-diy last. On being deprived of her parenU whilst sun an mlant she was com nut ted to the care of the Neglected Children's department. aiiT) on rea china thn nun nf twn yean she was boarded out to a Mrs. Robin- tea, lice-street, uuiton. When Mrs.

Bobinson died, about four years ago, the guardianship of the girl was undertaken by ton, but in December lust, when she attained the age of fourteen, the depart ment coascu to pay ior ner support, ana IwimittiHl Mrs. Chritfie1d to auopt her. On Thursday, 14th she asked Mrs. Clirislield to let lier put on a clean blouse, but the request was disallowed, as the blouse she was wearing was scarcely soiled. then got into a temper, and began ecreamiiig out.

Mrs. Chrislield chastised her by dapping her on the arm, and the girl left the houe at 8 a.m. Thinking she had cone to her work, at Harttiell's um brella factory, Russell -street. Mrs. Chris- held went there, and found she had called tb collect three days' wages due to her, say-ins she was going up the country, hut was told she could not get her wages until the Patiirday.

She then asked one of the girls at the factory to collect the money for her, but that wan not done, it was exnected that alio wonTil turn up on the Saturday for her money, but sne did not put in an np- jiearnnce, Iconic days afterwards it was reported that she had been seen in the city, wearing a long dress and a gem hat, with her hair done up to give her a more wnmanlv. and. at the same time. discuiKed appearance. It was known that n)ic was well acquainted with relatives of the late jli-a.

Robinson, and the opinion was formed that hlie liau proiiainy gone to live wiin them, hut on inquiries being made by the SYest Melbourne police it was ascertained tint the family referred to had left there. It vis thought they had gone to live at Titzroy. hut for some unaccountable reason the police inquiries were not continued, nna the mystery attending the dinappour-anflJ, oI(()ip girl still remains BUHER -FREIGHTS. 'Although the Minister of Agriculture has indicated his readiness to receive offers from shipping companies for the carriage of butter to the English market, it is not expected that any of the supposedly numerous competitors for the trade will disclose their hand until after. the election of the new butter freights' committee.

Exporter arc hopeful that under the new system of allotting votes to the factories a committee will be elected that will not have such a preponderating bias as the old committee in favor of once more giving tin mail companies complete control of the trade. It is regarded as hardly conceivable that any company, even a mail company, trill be given the new contract at a higher freight rate than 03d. ner notwithstanding the strong pleading of our Conscr-tative contemporary for a return P. and 0. control, and higher freights.

The factory directors generally will no doubt be found op)osing a contract over anything but a short term, as they would hardly desire the exporters of the other States to tecure the whole of the advantages to be gained from the appearance in these waters next year of the new mail liners with their special facilities for the storage of butter. It seems improbable that the new committee would dure to enter into a contract for a lengthy term at an advance fa the present rates. Without doubt a conference would clear the air, for it would certainly show unmis-uubly that in no circumstances would tht producers be prepared to return to the conditions that existed prior to the dis-tjmm of the Butter Commission, when nigh reiphts ruled under mail steamer control The accident to Mr. Graham, M.L.A., particularly unfortunate at the present moment, as it will prevent his participation in the conference, which, it is under-5i Clyne. manager of the Upper llaffra factory, intends to bring about.

THE- BAC0N INDUSTRY. yiCTORIAJT SUCCESS IN SYDNEY One of the most interesting exhibits at tne recent show of the Royal Agricultural Society was the display of bacon and hams. which is declared by good judges to have wen about the finest ever seen in Aus tralia. It is gratifying to know that in this excellent collection a Victorian curer, Mr. George Farmer, of Hall i rat, eirried off nl the honors, as will be seen by the following iriiin me prize nan Himi Thrff.

factor trmwH and nmnkwt fmaxl. ram points, 100). tico. Farmer, 1 (100 points); fro. Firmer, 2 (93 points); .1.

C. Hitlton, Mel ww, 3 points); J. C. Hutton, Svdney, h.c. 01 rwInU); J.

c. Hutton, Um bourne, h.c. till nts), Bacon. Three nldc, factory cured and imokel (mnimum points, 100). -den.

Farmer, 1 U7 Cfnts); Oeo. Farmer, 2 pednts); Fnlcv Bros, mitM), a (051 point); J. C. Hutton, Melbourne, f-e. points); North Coast I ve Co Limited, h.c.

(Itt point). For best exhibit, three e.ieh, him, stites of ba-iw. nl btjtMers of Urd (maximum, IMO point). Fjrmpf, champion prhsi (27l point); Furmrr, 2, recommendrd (374 point) J. C.

Synnrv. 8 (2 polnti); John H'Lcan, Nnrih Cost Ci-operatlve Co. Jjimitri h.r. (244 points Nrth Cbaat Uo-optn-Ww Co. Limited, h.e.

(244 THE PREMIERS' CONFERENCE. TASMANIAN SUGGESTIONS. -HOnAUT. Sunday. The Premier has written to Mr.

Car-Jothers sugResting the following subjects Wf consideration nt the conference of Premiers at Brisbane: Installation oi ilw telegraphy, immigration, Franco-witwh exhibition, channel of commiiniea-' landing of crews of foreign wnr ships, Jwical examination of State school children and State debt. ECZEMA OS MMDS AND WRISTS, CURED BV WTICUIIA. "For tfterA yini I was troubled balj with an ccretna on my limbs mil wrist, rnrtidini In srveral towns hid prescribed for roe jntlnt irlvlnir mc any resulti. I hd often ud twirura Ointment und received relief temporarily. thr tnrinft of 1WH 1 took the CiiUcm-a H-m.

Mis and twd the (hit I cum Ointment for ibout flv wtvkf, and at the end of t)it tlnv re km not a blotoh on me anywlierV, Thla win 1 took a few vials of the Clitk-UM Hilli, anil will continue to do ao every firing snwj an a spring tonic, as they are eav 2" with you, and they certain ot your bliod JMJte etwiini year. I now iw onlr Cntlcura The Cuticum Ointment Pi" cnainl of an anrravaied cae of eci St. Jwt M'Vfctr, pin Antonio, Texan, ftth Tlie orlrlniil of the thoto tmtlmorttl li JfJ? the ofllct of the Potter Dmg and Chml-w; yiryvration. Reference: R. Town and ydney, H.8.W.-Adrt nil wiTBr wwwww nvun.

iimn im -Aavt).