COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2764, 19 March 1910, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

A GOOD FIND. United Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, March 18. A rich strike of gold has been made at the Long Tunnel mine, Gundagai. From a quarter of a ton of ore prospectors dollied 80 ounces. THE ROYAL SHOW’. The Royal Agricultural Association lias spent £BSOO in increasing building accommodation for the forthcoming shows. THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS. The Federal election campaign is in full swing in all the States. The parties are working hard, and strenuous contests are promised. The Labor Council negatived the motion. that all unionists cease work at dinner time on polling day. Supporters of the motion alleged that in many cases the bosses refused to allow the men time to go to the ballot box, and that cessation of work would stimulate interest in the election. The opponents argued that the motion really meant a general strike, and would be giving the other side a big handle. Eventually it was decided to ask the Government to declare a half-holiday. CO-OPERATIVE STEVEDORING. The Newcastle Wharf Laborers and Coal Trimmers’ Unions have completed the formation of a co-operative company to do stevedoring work at the port. It is stated that several big shipping companies are standing behind the unions. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. MELBOURNE, March 18. The State Attorney-General proposes to introduce a Bill to abolish capital punishment. A FINE NUGGET. A prospector named Bernard has unearthed a 12Soz. nugget at Pennyweight Flat, Ballarat. '.His brother was with him till a few days ago, when he left, being unable to make a living. THE “A.N.A.” The Australian Natives’ Association Conference resolved that the financial agreement between the States and the Commonwealth is detrimental to the best interests of the Commonwealth. A BOY BLOWN f~O PIECES. (Received March 18, 10.35 p.m) SYDNEY, March 18. A boy named Bacon, at Rolland’s Plains, near Port Macquarrie, was given some detonators by another lad who found them. Bacon’s mother, ignorant of their nature, told him to throw them away, and he threw them into the kitchen fire. A terrific explosion followed, and the lad was literally blown to pieces.

STEAMER KAKAI'O ASHORE. HOBART, March 18. The steamer Kakapo ran ashore in a fog near the entrance of the river at Dcvonport. She is on an even keel, and is expected’ to float off uninjured..