SYDNEY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3540, 13 November 1882, Page 3

SYDNEY.

November 11

The cause of the sinking ot the Austral is now doubtful, and the theory that the port-holes were open is not believed. It is deemed most probable that a large valve near the bilge was left open. It is said that the purser and two engineers are missing, but it is not certain that they were on board. Divers are now examining the vessel.

A railway accident occurred to-day on tbe western line near Bathurst. One lady passenger was seriously injured, and others are suffering from Blight wounds. The cause of the accident is said to have been defective signals.

The wharf lumpers who are now on strike paraded the streets this morning in large numbers.

November 12,

The Austral's position is unchanged. Divers have been at work, and have recovered the bodies of five persons who were on board when the vessel sank. Mr Perkins, the purser, and one of the engineers, were among the number, the other three whose bodies have been recovered were seamen.

November 13

It has been ascertained that the most serious case arising out of the railway accident which occurred near Bathurst on Saturday is that of a boy named Headland, who has both his thighs seriously fractured. Venosta and other members of the Turner opera troupe were passengers by the train, and were amongst those uninjured. It is deemed a miracle that all on board were not killed on the spot.

The divers are still at work on the Austral. It is probable that other bodies — those of several Arab firemen who are missing—will be recovered. An inquest on the bodies of the purser, engineer, and three seamen taken from the wreck yesterday, will be held to-day.