LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Inangahua Times, Volume III, Issue 77, 14 February 1877, Page 2

LA TEST AUSTRALIAN .

Melbotjbne, February 6. The weather coqtinues extremely dry and is proving very disastrous to the pastoral and agricultural interests. There has not been an inch of rain registered for the past six weeks. Sheep are dying in all directions, and innumerable bush fixes have occurred. The Cable Conference has closed, its sitting. New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia together agreed on the duplication of the line between Singapore and Bangewange, to cost each £§000 a year in excess of the amount all the Colonies paid in proportion. This arrangement is not yet ratified by the respective Colonies. It is arranged to oh" tain English operators on the Dutch lines, if the Netherlands and Indian governments will sanction it. Sheriff, who recently died, served against the Maoris in the Bay of Islands, in 1841. Political matters are quiet, but numer* ous candidates are announced. The Education question is likely tp prove a great bone of contention at the elections. Baily and Cooper's circus has been doing a splendid business, completely killing the theatres. The pantomimes are all withdrawn this week and more legitimate entertainments commenced.

The arrangements amongst the associated banks having been broken up, the rates of discount have been lowered and each one now acts on its own behalf. Sugar is still in great request, and very firm. Wheat 6s Bd, to 6s 9d ; oats firm np to 3s 10|d.

Christchurcu, February 13. James Pain, clerk to the Waimate Road Board was arrested for embezzling £988 belonging to the Board. The M^yor has declared a half-holi day for each day of the AU»England cricket match. A meeting will be beld in the city and suburbs on Thursday night to protest against Carruther's drainage Bcbeme. The weather is very fine for the harvesting. Auckland. In the oaao of Shera v. M'Arthur and Co., the plaintiff has accepted £600. Walter's Moppocampus left in the Taupo, for DuneHin. Since the Suwarrow embroglio, Sterndale has been preparing to fit out a vessel for the island where treasures are. It is reported that M'Farlane is preparing another expedition to hold Suwarrow. A fight ia imminent by the Spanish. A few days ago W. Ot. Hunt, formerly a sharebroker, but latterly of Napier, entered into negotiations for the schooner Canterbury, on behalf of himself and Sterndale, Hill, Wilson, Mair and others, with the object of fitting out an ejp^dition to seize Suworrow. The vessel bad taken in stores ready to clear the Customs. Hunt allowed a portion of the purchase money to remain on mortgage, A disagreement arose about the insure ance to-day, and Hunt went to lawyer's office to see the deeds of the vessel, and pocketed them. The clerk pursued and a fight eosued, and Hunt was given in custody. An informa* tion will probably be laid against him. All the purchase money has been paid, but the lawyers hold the deeds until the insurance is obtained as a guaran* tee. Last night St. Matbew'a parishoners decided against erecting a stained glass window in the church because the window represented a crucifix. Two Mormon prophets who were unsuccessful here, left per Rotorua, fcr Sydney. GBBTMOfTS. Killen's Greymoulh Hotel and store adjoining were burned down this morning, about 4 o'clock. Building insured in the South British, for £500.