SIDNEY, Feb. 5. Sir John Thurston ia v passenger by the Miowera. Hi 3 health is again somewhat precarious, and he is proceeding to Mel bourne for medical advice and for a rest.
MELBOURNE, Feb. 5,

Crane, junr., playing at the Warrnambool cheßa congress, ,won the championship of Australia.
Armstrong, the steward arrested in con nection with the Oeeana gold robbery, has been discharged.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
FEMALE FRANCHISE BILL PASSED

THROUGH SECOND READING.
London, Feb. 4,

In the House of Commons a resolution wsb passed by 325 to 110 permitting the introduction of the Voluntary Schools Bill.
Mr Faithfull Begg, member for St. Rollox, introduced a Bill extending the franchise to women. It was read a second time by 228 to 157.
Amongßt those who voted for the Bill were the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, the Right. Hon. (J. T. Ritchie, the Right Hon. Sir J. K. Gorat, Sir R. B. Finlay, Q.C., and the Right Hon. L. H. Courtney. The opponents of the measure included the Right Hon. G. J, Goschen, the Right Hon. H. H. Asquith, the Right Hon. Sir W- M. Ridley, aud the Right Hon. Loid G. Hamilton.
Mr Sam Woods (Radical) has been elected for Walthainstow, in place of Mr Byrne, who recently succeeded Mr Justice Chitty. Mr Woods defeated Mr Desvar (Tory) by 279 votes.
BOATING ACCIDENT.
MAN-O'-WARSMAN DROWNED.
