AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7252, 7 March 1889, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

——4 [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' DISASTROUS HURRICANE. Received March 6th, 2.30 p.m. Melbourne, March 6. The Edith May, which arrived yesterday from the Islands, reports that the Island of Aneiteum, to the south of the New Hebrides Group, was visited by a great hurricane. The plantations were destroyed, and the inhabitants of the island are almost on the verge of starvation. AN EFFICACIOUS THREAT. Sydney, March 6. New South Wales undertook some years ago certain works on Garden Island, Sydney Harbor, with a view of securing Sydney being recognised as the naval headquarters, and in return the Admiralty handing over the ordnance reserves in Sydney. During the paefc two years the operations on Garden Island have been discontinued, and great inconvenience has thus been caused to the squadron. Admiral Fairfax wrote repeatedly to the Premier without avail. The Admiral has recently addressed a letter to his Excellency the Governor, iv which he expresses himself strongly disposed to recommend the Admiralty to make the head quarters of the Australian squadron in one of the other colonies. This appears to have had the desired effect, tiie Government having to-day given orders to resume work on Garden Island at once. SERIOUS FIRE. Hobart, March 6. The largest fire which has occurred for many years broke out last night in Bond's bark mill, which was burnt to the ground. The damage is estimated at £10,000.