Latest Australian and European News.

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 807, 30 May 1876, Page 6

Latest Australian and European News.

(From the ' Times ') Melbourne, May 25. A large fire occurcd afc Harper and Co.'s mills, Flinders-street, Melbourne, to-day. The mills and bonded stores adjoining were destroyed ; damage, £100,000. The Wellington and Dunedin firemen performed creditably at Ballarat. The banquet in the evening was very disorderly. May 26. Every insurance office was involved in the firesfrom a thousand to five thousand pounds, except the Liverpool and Globe Company, T.b,e insurance cpyer? £90,000.

A number of the principal merchants had their goods in Shaw's bond, valued at £150,000. All the suburban brigades were absent at Ballarat. The National Reform League, at a meeting last night, seriously considered the propriety of taking steps to impeach Sir William Stawell for his late political action. May 27. The Prospector's cargo of New Zealand barley sold at an extreme figure. The National and New Zealand Insurance Companies are in for £LSOO in the recent fires. A fire occurred at Sandhurst yesterday ; damage considerable. The insurance on the three late fire 3, it has been ascertained, amounts to £52,000. Syx>ney, May 25. The Government is giving free passages to destitute diggers to enable them to visit the country to search for work. During the Fire Brigade's procession yesterday evening the balcony of a hotel, crowded with spectators, collajjsod. Several people were severely injured. The 'San Francisco mail arrived here yesterday. May 2G. The vote for the New Zealand Cable subsidy has passed. B. Crnickshanks, of Auckland, has been appointed the oflicer to mike the contract and agreement for this Colony under the Agreements Validating Act. ! A rich piece of country has been discovered west of Port Moresby, New Guinea, thickly populated. One town is laid out in streets with flower gardens, and there is every indication of intelligence, industry, and cleanliness. Wellington, N.Z , took the third prize at the Ballarat Fir 9 Brigade's competition. Another large fire has taken place in Melbource. Messrs Lardner and Lazarus' premises in Elizabeth-street were gutted. The loss is heavy. May 27. The Schooner Mary 4nne Christina has been totally wrecked at Clarence Heads; crew saved. The Pacific Mail subsidy has passed. During the discussion the Postmaster said he believed the contractors were anxious to change the route to Auckland or the Bay of Islands. Mr Parkes, adverting to the probabiltiy of a change of route as suggested, said it would all be in favor of New Zealand. Mr Parkes, the leader of the Opposition, carried his resolutions for the expenditure of surplus revenue in a comprehensive system of immigration and public works.