AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 15, 17 June 1874, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Via Hokitika.) Melbourne, June 9. On Tuesday last the Chief Secretary moved the second reading of the Constitution Act Amendment, aud the debate lasted all the week, with the prospect of extending over another fortnight, as not a dozen members have yet addressed the House. It is believed that the Government will have a majority on the second reading. Nothing further has transpired with reference to the wreck of the British Admiral at King’s Island. The Government steamer Pharos proceeded to the scene, but found no more survivors, but buried six bodies. The cargo is strewn along the beach. The customs and other officers are in charge. Bank drafts to the amount of £4OO were found on one of the bodies. At the inquiry before the Navigation Board, the loss of the vessel was stated to be due to an error in calculating the longitude. The question of payment of members is to be brought before the Assembly on the conclusion of the Constitution debate. Forty members attended the preliminary meeting. The steamship Northumberland took over 300 passengers to England, including the Earl and Countess Dououghmore. Butchart’s case is likely soon to be brought before the Court to determine his sanity. W. K. Thompson’s Doerfoot won the coursing stakes. Governor Ducano after remaining a week in Melbourne has returned to Tasmania. By a raining accident at Smythesdale one man was killed, and another severely injured. Diphtheria is very prevalent in some parts of the colony, and several deaths have occurred. Sydney. The Tartar sailed on Saturday, the 6th. The Macgregor has completed her repairs, aud leaves on the 25th, via New Zealand. Admiral Ribout, who arrived by the mail, has proceeded to New Caledonia, to enquire into the escape of M. Rochefort. At Bathurst, the residents presented Bishop Quinn with 1500 guineas, prior to his proceeding to Europe. The steamers Balclutha and Lady Yfiung came into collision. The latter was cut to the water’s edge. Madame Goddard will arrive from Singapore at the end of this month. The proposed release of Gardiner the bushranger by the Governor has formed the subject of a debate in the Assembly, and is condemned in a public meeting. A private expedition is fitting out to search for Leichardt’s relics. Adelaide. Two want of confidence motions have been tabled against the Government to come on this week. Four hundred and fifty-six miles of the overland telegraph line have been poled with iron poles, aud a similar extent is under order. SHIPPING. Newcastle. Arrived—June 1 : Eodas, Celestia, from Lyttelton. June 2 : City of Glasgow, from Wellington. June 7 : Camille, from Wellington, June 8 : John Bull, from Nelson. Sailed—June2 : Antipodes, for Auckland; Maggie, for Napier. June 6 : Omega aud Malay, for Wellington. Sydney. H.M.S. Challenger sailed yesterday (Bth). Arrived, Bth, Joliba, from Timaru, COMMERCIAL. The markets during the week were dull. Further large sales of brandies have taken place, at full rates, and 170 hhds of Martell’s have been shipped to London, under instructions. Sugars are dull, at a decline. Rum has improved in demand. Kerosene is very dull ; trade sales made at Is 4.Jd. Wheat is in good enquiry at 6s 6d to 6s 8d ; oats are in fair demand for milling at 5s Bd. New Zealand 4 per cent debentures, sellers, 88. New Zealand Bank, £l7 15s. Auckland, June 16. Sales—Albion, £3 ; Caledonian, £lO ss. Buyers—Standard, 12s 6d ; Caledonian, £lO 6s ; City of London, 26s Od ; Watchman, ss; Beach, 15s. Sellers—South British, £2 10s ; Freedom, £5 ; Whau, £4 15s. The London correspondent of the “ Star” states that the immigrants per Loch Awe, which sailed from London on April 6th, for Auckland, are the finest class which have left England lately. A little difference regarding price has arisen between the New Zealand Shipping Company and the Agent-General. The Prince Alfred cleared to-day for Lyttelton with timber aud part original cargo of kerosene per American barque Florence,

Wellington, June 16. The Government have agreed to a suggestion made by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce that the Chambers of Commerce and other public bodies may have shipping intelligence telegraphed at the usual press rates, but the Chambers of Commerce and other public bodies which may obtain the privilege will have to appoint their own agent in each port. A young whale captured on the coast a few days ago has been purchased for the Canterbury Museum, and will be despatched to-morrow. Dunedin, June 16. Some 60 or 70 families still remain at the Caver,sham Immigration Barracks without employment. While no engagements have been effected at Cavcrshara (central) Barracks for several days, all immigrants sent to the branch depots are now engaged.