AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 113, 5 September 1896, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GENERAL ITEMS. Melbourne, September 4. Julian Thomas, better known as the " Vagabond," is dead. The Government do not intend to extend Mr Gillies's term as AgentGeneral, and it is believed that Sir Andrew Clarke will be asked to perform the duties. Sydney, Sept. 4. News has been received that the ship Flora P. Stafford, of 1250 tons, which left Newcastle for Manilla on April 22nd, was abandoned at sea. The ship was under the command of Captain Smith. Four of the crew are missing, but the others landed at the Phillipines. This day. A ballot on the question of the Methodist Union shows:—For Union 11,321, against 2440; of which the Wesleyan body recorded 8548 for, and 2243 against. Brisbane, Sept. 4. Martin, the American 'cyclist, paced alternately by two triplets and a tandem to-day lowered several Australian records. He covered two miles in 4min 8 4-sth sec, 10 miles in 22min 14 sec, 25 miles in 57min 20sec, and 36 miles 380 yards in an hour. This day. The Government resident in the Northern territory has returned to Port Darwin, and confirms the discovery of a magnificent harbor at Melville Island. Hobart, Sept. 4. The Legislative Assembly is discussing the Gambling Bill in committee. From a business point of view it will affect bookmakers chiefly. Clause 13 proves the greatest bone of contention ; it is to enable the Governor-in-Council to frame regulations sanctioning lotteries, and this is meant to apply to the consultations carried on by Tattersall. The clause was earried by a majority of one, and then the Premier agreed to report progress with a view to reconsideration of the measure. Perth, This day. The barque Ebenezer, bound to Mauritius from Sandalwood Islands, put in at Carnarvon. The boatswain had been washed overboard and drowned, the cook died of dropsy, one man is ill with dysentery, another with consumption, and the remainder were unable to work the vessel.