AUSTRALIAN.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4289, 27 April 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Waieaeapa at the Bluf_.)

Melbouene, April 22. A meeting of Germans favorable to the formation of a military corps to aid the defence of the colony Avas held on _nday, and it was decided to form a corps for that purpose. , . ~ Mr Withers, Melbourne Agent ot the P and 0. Company, states that the ComT__ny's ship Massilia has been taken by the British Government, and Avill cruise m Australian waters for protection of Colonial interests. .■,■■» The trial of Barnes for the murder oi Slack was concluded on Friday when he was found guilty, and condemned to death. The Ai'"-us commenting on the case, .011----aidcrs the affair reflects badly on the coroner and jury. . The Premier has received a telegram from the A"-nt-Gcncral, on reliable authority, informing him that things looked rather better at St. Petersburg, but Her Majesty s GoA'ernment Avere not going for a moment to relax their defence preparations. It was reported on Saturday night that a case very like small-pox had broken out at Hotham, and the police have '.quarantined tho premises. . Tuesday was the 28th anniversary olttie eight-hours movement in this colony. The demonstration Avas more extensive and complete than on any other occasion. Thirty-four distinct trades joined the procession, Avhich numbered 10,000 persons. The sports at the Friendly Societies' Gardens Avere attended by an immense erenvd, and Avere honored for tho first timo by the presence of Vice-Royalty. The Governor aud suite Avere entertained at a banquet on the ground. In the lettard murder case, the recent arrest of William Beach and Francis Ha Aythorn, caused considerable excitement in Geolong. After a variety of evidence had ..ljeeu brought forward for tAvo days, the prisoners were discharged. \On Tuesday last a general inspection ol theV-ortification of the bay was taken by General Scratchlcy, Colonel Desney, and General Dowries. They expressed themselves as quite satisfied with the work carried on, anel they themselves selected the position for the erection of a battery to prevent the enemy's ships taking shelter in the excellent harbor of Portsca. Sydne y , April 22.

Tho Pacific Steamship Company's Zealandia is still unable to get aAvay. The men on strike still hang round the oflice of tho company, expecting the agent to give Avay. Thos. Walker, freethought lecturer, appeared at the Water Police Court to-day to ansAver a, charge of exhibiting obscene diagrams at his lecture delivered by him bearing on the malthusian doctrine. A complimentary banquet was given to Hanlan last night by the members of the Mercantile Rowing Club, and during the evening a presentation was made. Hanlan sails by the Zealandia.

By Electeic T___ghath.—Copyeight.

[Reutee's TeLEGEAjIS.]

(Received April 27, 2.20 a.m.)