The Coal Duties. (EeceM April 3,11.15 p.m.) JK London, May 3. Owing to tho proposed imposition of a coal tax, Mr J. Wilson, Unionist member for Falkirk Burghs—a i large coal-ownor —baa severed his connection with the party, The Northumberland miners threaten a fourtoen weeks' strike. Tho Midland miners haro approved <£. of the recommendation of the Miners' Federation for a general at jppago of mines in tho event of the tax being adopted, Parliamentary lawyors declare that the Federation's recommenda tion of a strike amounts to a State conspiracy involving legal responsi* bility, Speaking in the House of Com mons, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated tbat theKotbscbilds bad been allotted £11,000,000 of tho first moiety of the war loan; the J. S. Morgan Com jit pany, of London, £10,000,000; and the Bank of England, £0,000,000.
THE COMMONWEALTH.
♦ Mr Fegan's Resignation. Report Confirmed. The Reasons Assigned. (Received May 4,9 A a.m.' Sydney, This Day, Mr J. L. Fegan confirms tho re portof his resigning. Though it moant a loss, financially and in prestigo, to him hosaid preferred to inourthat loss rather than occupy the position at the expenso of tho Hon. E. Barton and Sir W. Lyno. [Mr J. I/, Fogan was formerly Secretory of Lands in tho Now South Wales Govorumont, and his appointmout to auUnder-Soci'otary ship undorthoConimouwealth causod almost univorsal indignation.]

BURNT TO DEATH.
Sad Fate of a Young Lady. (Received Miy S, 9.17 p.m.) London, May 3. Miss Hudd,daughter of Mr Andrew Rtidd, of QnooHsliind, perished in a fire at a boarding houso in Blooms bury. She intended lo mai.y Mr Hewitt, an Australian, in a fort night,

ROYAL VISIT.
