LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press, Volume XIV, Issue 1848, 16 March 1869, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[from otje own coeeespohtdent.] Bluff, March 15,1.18 p.m.

The Omeo left Hobson's Bay at 11 a.m. on the 10th inst. and arrived at the Bluff at 1.30 p.m. to-day. She experienced N.B. winds and fine, though occasionally thick weather during the passage. She bringa 275 tons of cargo, 27 cabin, and 40 steerage passengers for all ports. Passengers for Canterbury: Cabin —Messrs Shallard, Griffiths, Balfour, and Tinlave; 12 steerage. The Omeo leaves the Bluff at 5 p.m. Melbotjene, March 10. Prince Alfred sailed yesterday in the Galatea for Sydney. Before his departure he laid the foundation stone of the new Alfred Hospital. At a great fancy dress ball on Friday, the Prince was present in several disguises, dancing every dance, and rapidly changing costume to avoid recognition. He attended the Geelong races both days and visited both the theatres and Mr Montgomery's readings, but avoided all public reception, wishing his second visit to be considered a private one. M. Chevalier, the artist, sailed in the Galatea to accompany the Prince on his trip throughout. The hearing of the great scandal case, Alexander v. Jones, occupied three days. The jury was ultimately discharged without agreeing to a vercLiefc. .Mi Junes lias atuee resigned tne Commissionership of Railways and his seat in the Legislative Assembly. The Assembly is rapidly getting through the estimates, but has made no reduction in the members , own salaries. The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce have abandoned the proposed conference with the other Australian Chambers on the Customs' Union. Hugo Levinger has been remanded to Sydney on the charge of murdering Polynesians on the high seas. The Government have announced that a Bill is in preparation abolishing state-aid to religion. Before sailing, the Prince presented £50 each to the Alfred Hospital, the Sailors' Home, and the Society for the Belief of the Educated Poor. Trade is brisk and sound. Flour has advanced from £12 15s to £13. Wheat is scarce, at 5s 7d to 5s 9d. In oats, sales of New Zealand have been effected at 4s 3d; Tasmanian at 4s Kerosene has advanced to 2s 2d. Sugars maintain full rates. Teas are active for finer chops. The last Tasmanian aboriginal died week. Sydney, March 9.

The Intercolonial Cricket Match was won by the Victorians, with. 78 runs to spare. New South Wales, first innings, 37; second, 95—total, 132. Victoria, first innings, 61; second, 149 —total, 210. Great preparations are being made for a picnic to the Prince on St. Patrick's Day. The Government bas abolisbed all public holidays on Saints' days. Lady Belmore has been delivered of a son, still-born. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce has withdrawn from the proposed Conference on the Customs' Union. Trade is dulL The flour market is fully supplied. Sugar a shade easier. Wool sales brisk, and prices firm. She yacht clubs will mueter in full force to meet the Prince at the Heads. The Treason Felony Act has been read a second time. Adelaide, March 9. Victorian sheep have been prohibited from crossing the Border. Colonel Biggs has been dismissed from the Volunteer service. Governor Ferguson has taken up residence at Mount Lofty for the remainder of the hot season. A seven-ounce nugget was found at Tapster diggings. Wheat has advanced to ss. Flour, £11 15s for country, to £12 15s for town brands.