AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5324, 7 March 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(per arawata, at the bluff.)

Melbourne, February 28

Difficulties have arisen over the West Bourko election. Owing to an insufficient supply of ballot papers at Newham, the poll was adjourned by the deputyreturning officor. The Acting - Chief Secretary, however, directed the returning officer to disregard the action of his deputy and to proceed to declare the result of the poll. It was not therefore re- opened, and Mr Deacon, a Ministerialist, was declared elected by a majority of 55. The Opposition candidate claims that he would have been successful had the poll been completed. There is great indignation on the subject. Sir Bryan O'Loghlen's attempt to gag the Argus has received mingled, ridicule and indignation. Mr Berry telegraphs that his interview with Sir Michael Hicks Beach lasted over an hour, and that the tone of the English Press on the Victorian situation is moderate and favorable, and that the Victorian loan will probably bo deferred, or only a portion offered, as the associated banks and Mr Berry disagree as to the minimum. He also says that England will probably appoint a Royal Commission in connection with the Melbourne International Exhibition.

The P. and 0. Company have offered Victoria a fortnightly English mail for an annual subsidy of £SO,OOO, Columbo Point to be the point of departure, under condition that the steamers should be allowed to proceed to Sydney. After a splendid four days' match the Victorian Eleven defeated the Gentlemen of England by 2 wickets. The scoring was— England, 325 and 171 ; Victorians, 261 and 236. Horan for the Victorians played a magnificent innings for 60. Neilson, of Canterbury, is reported to have purchased Lone Hand, the famous steeplechaser. The corvette Danse has arrived at Melbourne. She proceeds to Sydney shortly, as the Wolverine and the Emerald escort Sir Hemiles Eobinson to New Zealand.

Several of the Kelly sympathisers, arrested eight weeks since, hare been discharged, as the police wore unable, owing to the Kelly scare, to bring forward witnesses. Eight of the men are still remanded. A hairdresser named Moreil has been committed for trial for alleged embracery in connection with David Henry's trial. The certificate of Capt. M'Petrie has been suspended for six months for losing tho Kerangie. The Ronga stud of thoroughbred horses were sold without reserve for 1910 guineas. Last year 121 mining accidents occurred in Victoria, 50 persons were killed, and 100 injured. Sydney, February 27. All the Hadfield bushrangers were promptly captured by the New South Wales police. Troopers Beresford, Day, and Power pursued them 180 miles. Several shots were exchanged, and Trooper Power was wounded. The four scoundrels then surrendered. • Two other bushrangers were captured in the Dubbo district.

It is reported that two Queensland police officers, Avith 22 native trackers, are expected to assist in capturing the Kellys. Twelve acres of old works in the Wallsend coal mine sunk, burying several men. All tho nion have been rescued but one.

Swain, of Stawoll, won the Sydney Mail prize of £100 for the best colonial tale.