AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7179, 3 June 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[PEfl "WAIHORA AT THE BLUFF.] Melbourne, May 27. Last Monday wa3 held as a holiday in celebration of the Queen's Birthday. There were races, the Governor's levde, a review, and the firemen's gala in the Friendly Society's gardens. The ships in the river and the bay were decorated with bunting. The review was held in Albert Park and was a great success, ! the total strength being 2328 men, including the naval forces and reserve. The force was inspected by the Governor. At the close of the day Colonel Desney, commandant, intimated that his Excellency was highly pleased with the evolutions performed. The review was witnessed by about 40,000 people. The Orient steamer Austral succeeded in delivering the English mails at Adelaide in 29 days, an unprecedented passage. Yesterday the Government received official information that the vine disease which has broken out kr Cambden, New South Wales, is the veritable phylloxera. It appears that the disease must have existed in the locality for Beveral years. The Steam Navigation Board have adopted the new regulations devised by the' Board of Trade for the more satisfactory examination of candidates desiring to obtain masters' and mates' certificates. Hitherto it has been taken for granted that if a candidate gives wrong or incorrect answers to questions the examiner has no power to [■eject him. After the Gth of August, ivhen the new regulations come in force, sandidates will be required to satisfy the ;xaminers at a viva voce examination. Particular care will be taken to test ;andidates on the subject of deviations )f the compass.

Sydney, May 27. A deputation waited on the Mayor yesterday to request him to hold a public meeting at which tlie question of entertaining the New South Wales troops on their return might be considered. It is rumored on good authority that Mr Jno. Stuart, Premier, is to be made the recepient of some marked distinction from the Queen through the Governor.