AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 4783, 19 January 1884, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, January 8. Negotiations are going on between Victoria and New Soutli Wales upon a uniform rate of postage, but are not yet concluded. It is understood that further communications will pass between the two Governments. The German Government has replied to Mr Berry's letter in reference to the admission of the colonies to the Postal Union to the effect that Germany cannot recognise the right of the colonies to separate representation, and suggesting that the final settlement of the question should be deferred until the next meeting of the Convention. Orders have now been given for the gradual disbandment of the Volunteer force, Avith a view to the formation of the uew Militia force. Several local officers are gazetted to rank. Earl Rosebery is 'now on a visit to Tasmania, but returns to Melbourne this week, and will afterwards visit South Australia. It is stated that very satisfactory progress is being made towards the settlement of the Mallee country. Large areas of land have been taken up by several of the best known firms. It is intended to take united action to suppress the rabbit and dingo pests. The Government has declined to modify the sentence on Robert Carter, jeweller, who was imprisoned for fraudulent bankruptcy. The Argus asserts that Mr Redmond's statement that the colonies subscribed £4000 towards the Parnell testimonial is an exaggeration, and that the amount actually received does not exceed £1000. Sydney, January 8. It is understood that it is intended to put the five escapees on board the French war ship Cher. Meanwhile the prisoners are detained at Darlinghurst. The Queensland revenue returns for the

quarter's revenue show an increase of nearly £140,000 compared with the previous year. The Customs have increased £35,053 ; railways, £35,000. In the New Soutli Wales revenue returns the principal feature is the large decrease in the land revenue, in consequence of the reduction in the sales. A falling off appears amounting to £326,970. Otherwise the returns are fairly satisfactory. French escapees have been sent to Newcastle, where they were placed aboard a French vessel proceeding to New Caledonia. A man named Harry Galway disappeared mysteriously from Dignam's Creek, only five miles from Bermargin, the scene of the Lamount- Young tragedy. No trace has been obtained.