One result of the stranding of the Australia will be the total reorganisation of the pilot service. At present it appears that there is no compulsory regis ing sge for the members of the service. Medical examination of Pilot Dennis, who was in charge of the Australia, has shown that his distance vision was only one-sixth of the normal. The Marine Board have, therefore, decided (and not too soon) that frequent examination of pilots' physical capabilities ism - The Premier als has taken the matter in hand and ix considering a scheme for simplifying the nautical control of the port, with a view to lessening the expenses which oversea vessels incur in this port. He has therefore decided to bring a measure before the House, providing for the constitution of port authority somewhat on the lines of the present Sydney Harbour Trust, which has sole control of the harbour navigation, At present about four different authorities have control in Melbourne, in consequence of which much overlapping and unnecessary expense are incurred in the administration. The probability of an early reduction in pilotage fees will be welcomed by owners of deep-sea vessels engaged in the Australian trade. The Court of Marine Inquiry into the wreck of the Australia is to be opened on the 29th inst. No specific charge has been Inid aguinst "lyons, so that the Court have a free huud in conducting the inquiry into the causes of the wreck and the navigation of the vessel previous to the disaster.
London cables advise that reinsurances on the vessel at the rate of} Robi inoly guineas are being effected at:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.