AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9272, 25 November 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

A PUGNACIOUS CLERGYMAN.

Sydney, November 28.

The Rev. J. Clarke was fined for assault and using insulting language in connection with his resistance to the re-opening of St. Stephen's Church at Eogarsh. Olarke denied making use of the language complained of, and said the plaintiff had commenced the assault, and he responded by driving a straight one under his guard. He wanted to make it a fair fight, but he was not allowed to do so. In reply to the solicitor for the plaintiff Clarke intimated his willingness to give him proof of his knowledge of the art of boxing. He denied the . right of the Primate to cancel his license, and he did not recognise his action, as he contended " once a priest always a priest." .•■ A FATAL MISTAKE. November 24. Mrs MoNamara, of Darilda, gave her two children a mixture of supposed honey and sulphur, and took some herself. The children are dead and the woman is seriously ill. It is believed that the sulphur was poisonous sheep dip. THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. Melbourne, November 28. A Bill for the better management of the railways is being considered by the Cabinet. It provides for the appointment of a Board of Trust, the exclusion of political influence, and the abolition of Unions among the employees. THE LONDONDERRY MINE. The Earl of Fingall has been made defendant in an action with reference to the disposal of a sum of £80,000, deposited with the Union Bank in connection with the Londonderry mine. Mr John Huxley and others are the plaintiffs. Their claim is that they are entitled as vendors of the Londonderry mine to the money deposited in the Bank in their name as part purchase money. BROKEN HILL SMELTING WORKS. Newcastle, November 28. Persistent rumours are current that the Broken Hill smelters are to be removed here from Port Pirie owing to the convenience of the coal. Negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of the copper smelting works, which have been idle a long time. QUEENSLAND POLITICS. Brisbane, November 28. Jn the Legislative Assembly the Live Stock and Meat Export Bill was finally passed. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH. Thursday Island, November 28. Sir William McGregor, Administrator of New Guinea, had a narrow escape of being murdered recently under the following circumstances :— After dispersing a.nomadic murdering* tribe of natives and capturing their canoes he paid a visit to a friendly tribe who, however, were incensed at the punishment mflioted on the others. Sir William McGregor was returning to his boat, accompanied by Mi Green, one oi hie staff,, when the latter turned and saw two natives with uplifted spears ready to strike Sir William. Green instantly shot one and the other being frightened and hesitating to throw the epear, he also shot him dead.