COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2739, 18 February 1910, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

A CHINESE SCHOOL

United Press Association— Copyright

SYDNEY, Feb. 17

The first Chinese school lias been opened in Sydney. Lookyet, a distinguished Chinese scholar, after lengthy negotiations with the Federal Government, was allowed to land and take charge.

SOCIALISTS IN TROUBLE. Over one hundred summonses have been issued in connection with the recent Socialist procession, the leader of which has already been fined. GUILTY OF MURDER. Ownsworth has been sentenced to death for murdering Robins on December 24th. The jury made a strong recommendation to mercy. [’Ownsworth had been drinking heavily, and during a fit of jealousy fatally cut Robins’ throat.] H.M.3. ENCOUNTER. After her return to Australia, H .M.S. Encounter proceeds to Colombo, where she will he recommissioned for another term on the Australian station.

STATE COAL FOR VICTORIA

MELBOURNE, Feb. 17

The Minister of Railways expects the State to produce the whole of the coal required for the State railways. The next addition will leave a million tons available for the people, so that there is no need to import for manufacturing purposes. PROFITS AT BROKEN HILL. The report of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company shows the profits for the half-year to be £55,985. A dividend of a shilling per share has been declared and the reserve fund increased to £164,837. The Company anticipates starting a spelter distillation plant in March. The report states that owing to irregular work the smelting department did not show the anticipated result of the improvements installed.

RAILWAY DRIVER DISRATED

HOBART, Feb. 17

Alexander, driver of the derailed troop train, has been disrated for travelling at excess speed in order to pick up time.

BUSH FIRES IN SOUTH AUS-

TRALIA

ADELAIDE, Feb. 17

One hundred thousand acres have been swept by bnsli fires, causing widespread destruction of crops, fences, and other property.

AUSTRALIANS FOR BISLEY

(Received February 18, 12.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 17.

Cutler; Boydy 'and Fisher -have been selected to represent New South Wales in the Kolapore Cup contest at Bisley.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM ANOTHER RAILWAY ACCIDENT

MELBOURNE, Feb. 17

A narrow escape from another railway accident occurred, to a goods train near Beaufort, the scene of the. late disaster. The brakes faded, and a van containing four passengers was derailed. The occupants were much shaken.