THE FOUNDERING OF THE AUSTRAL.

[By Elkotbio Telegraph.—Copyright.] (Reuteb's Telecrasib.) Sydney, November 11th. (Received November 11th, ISS2, at noon.) The Orient ateamship Austral, lying at anchor in harbour (in Neutral Bay), sank in deep water at 4 o'clock this morning. She had been coaling, and this had given her a list to starboard. The port-holes had been left open, and the water rushed in and the vessel gradually sank in 45ft of water. He masts and funnels are now alone visihle. No lives were lost, as there was sufficient time for the crew to get off, though they had a narrow escape, as tho whole affair only occupied a few minutes. (Received November 11th, ISS2, at 12.16 p.m.) There was a dense fog in the harbour this morning. Directly the Austral bogan to fill, the coal lighters moored alongside were quickly detached to provide rofuge for the Austral's crow, who rushed out almost nude. The ofiioers and men lost everything. The greater Eart of the inward cargo by the Austral had een discharged. 1.30 p.m. (Received Novembor 11th, ISB2, at i p.m.)

The cause of the sinkhifr of the Austral is now doubtful. The theory'that the port-holos were open is not believed. It is deemed most probable that a large valve near tie bilgo was left open. It ia said that the purser and engineers are missing, but it is not cortain that they woroon board. Divers are now examining tho vessel. November 12th, /Received November 18th, 18S2, at 020 a.m ) ■ Tlio Austral's position is unchanged. Divers have been at work, and have recovered the bodies of rive persons who were on board when the vessel sank. Mi' Perkins, the purser, and one of the engineers were among the number. The nthor three whose bodies have been recovered were seamen.