London, January 7. Mr Gladstone declines to compete for Statists prizo until there is a better prospect of practical result and possibility of achieving the suc cessful issue without admitting the principle of protection,

A WEALTHY NEWSPAPER MAN,

London, January 7.
The porsonalty of tho late Mr John Walter of the " Times" was sworn at £277,000.
INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.
Sydney, January 7.
A virulent influenza epidemic is raging on Norfolk Island. One death has occurred and others are in a critioal condition.
LABOR DIFFICULTIES.
Sydney, January 7,

The Socialistic League has passed a resolution expressing its belief that the Government is not sincerc in its efforts to provide work for the unemployed, and affirming that the time is now ripe for the unemployed to concentrate in Sydney without delay, with the view of enforcing Parliament to take immediate action.
A new labor organisation, to bo styled The Australian Knights of Labor," is being formed.
LAND COMPANY OF AUS TRALASIA.
Sydney, January 7.
