AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6118, 28 April 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

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[Per BJ3. Wairarapa, at the Blnff.] MELBOURNE, April 22. A meeting of Germane favorable to the formation of a militia corps to aid in the defence of the colony -was held on Friday, when it was decided to form a corp3 for that purpose. Mr Withers, the Melbourne agent of the Peninsular and Oriental Company, states that the Company's s a Mansilia, whitfi has been taken by the British Government, will cruise in Australian watefS for the protection of colonial interests. The trial of Barnes for the murder of Mr Slack, was concluded on Friday, when he wae found guilty and condemned to death. The " Argus/ commenting on the case, considers the affair reflected badly on the coroner's jnry. The Premier has received a telegram from the Agent-General, as follows:—" A reliable authority has informed mc that things look rather better at St. Petersburg, but Her Majesty's Government are not going for a moment to relax their preparations."

It was reported on Saturday night that a case very like small-pox had broken out at Hotham. The police have quarantined the premises. Tuesday was the twenty-eighth anniversary of the eight hours movement in this colony. The demonstration was more extensive and complete than on other occasions. Thirty-four distinct trades joined in the procession, which numbered 10,000 persons. The sports at the Friendly Societies* Gardens were attended by an immense crowd, and were honored for the first time by the presence of Yice-Boyalty. The Governor and suite were entertained at a banquet on the ground. On Tuesday hut a general inspection of the fortifications of the Bay was made by General Scratchley, Colonel Desney, asd General Downes. They expressed themselves as quite satisfied with the work carried on, and themselves selected the position for the erection of a battery to prevent an enemy's ships taking snelter in the excellent harbor of Portsea.

SYDNEY, April 22. Thomas Walker, the Freethought lecturer, appeared at the Water Police Court to-day to answer a charge of exhibiting obscene diagrams at a lecture delivered by him bearing on the Malthusian doctrine. A complimentary banquet was given to Hanlan last night by the members of the Mercantile Bowing Club. During the evening a presentation was made.to Hanlan. He eaile by the Zealandia. -'