AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9860, 9 March 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. NORFOLK ISLAND. Sydney, March 7. Messrs Adams and Q:iintail, Norfolk Islanders, condemn Mr Oliver's assertion re morality, &c, on. the island as a grave libel on their island. They say. they intend to bring the matter before the residents there with a view of their taking action to vindicate their rights. THE METHODIST UNION QUESTION. Melbourne, March 7. The Wesieyan Conference has carried a series of resolutions to the effect that, provided the reports of the churches were satisfactory, an organic union should be consummated in 1902. THE ILL-FATED PEARL. Brisbane, March 7. The efforts to raise the Pearl have been successful. Her, hull is in a terribly battered condition and full of - mud. The upper deck has been torn away and the main decks swept clean. No bodies were found. FLOODS IN QUEENSLAND. The floods at Georgetown wrought havoc in the cemetery, arid many of the graves have been scoured out and almost all the tombstones destroyed. Traffic has been suspended in every direction, and supplies are failing. Fears of a famine are entertained. - | FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT. Rockhampton, March 8. > A boat from the Beeswing, containing the chief officer, Squires, and two seamen, when landing at Lake Creek, were swept against the anchor chain. The boat was smashed, and Squires and one seaman, named Scharping, were drowned. THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL TROUBLE. AnELAEOE, March 7. The Hospital trouble has advanced a further stage. Owing to the presence of Dr. Hynes on the Board one member of the new Board withdrew, and the honorary staff' also resigned. Dr. Hynes took up a determined attitude at the outset, but subsequently notified that he would resign, complaining that he was attacked by rivals in the profession for political purposes. The Board now asks the. honorary staff to reconsider their resignations.

THE ACCIDENT TO THE MACGREGQR.

ArjßAtfY, Maroh 7. The steamer Maogregor went ashore during a heavy gale while leaving Marann harbour. She will probably be floated off.