AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Br EtEOT.ua TEfEORAU-Ctvr ioe

Peb Press Afsooutiov

Eeceived April 10. at 10,20 a,m, Sydney, April 10. Tho news received by the American mail regarding tho Empire Defence scheme is looked upon by the Tele graph as an attempt to force Imperial federation, It says there is omin ously good reason to suspect that early efforts will be made to bring an undesirablo and unwiso idea to defence federation into practical shape It is nono too soon for an emphatic Australian repudiation of the scheme, whish would impose a galling limitation on self-government and introduce militarism in its most obnoxious form.
The high price of wheat locally has led to a ship loaded and on the point of departuro for England returning to her berth and discharging. Melbourne, April 10. The Federal Houso has re-imposed a duty of 16s per ton on galvanised iron.
Tho banks have decided to reduce tho discount rates on 60 days' bills on London by 5 per cent, tho premium on tho selling Bido being correspond ingly increased, A four-masted barpe in reported ashore at Fish Creek. Hor identity is unknown,

Tho suspension of the standing orders will be moved to-day to enable the Coronation Representation Bill to pass all its stages. It provides for L 26,000 for a Coronation Contingent, L 5,500 for the illumination of the State capitals, L2OOO for a Bisley team, and LIBSO for Mr Barton's ex penses. With the exception of the last item the other amounts will meet with, strong opposition.
