AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6474, 26 November 1881, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Pbb Pbbss Association.] (Per s.s. Hero, vifi Auckland.) NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, Nov. 19. * Messrs Brown and Darley were present in the Legislative Council on Nov. 16 for the first time. Mr Joseph Mitchell is a candidate for the Newtown seat, rendered vacant by the elevation of Mr Brawn. Commodore Wilson, referring to the recent Uates, uiB J abi4h«<. I w «s/os_jCo''aaj -AcL_pl strikes at the root of all discipline, and will effect the movement of the Queen’s ships as regards Australis. The English cricketers arrived on Nov. 17, and were warmly welcomed by the Cricket Association. A report on the geology and water-bearing formations of the Albert and Darling Rivers district, presented to Parliament on Nov. 16, states that an abnndant underground supply of water is obtainable on the artesian principle. The Australia arrived on Nov. 16, after the quickest voyage on record, from Han Francisco, under 23 sailing oays. Dr Van Heckeren, recently acquitted through disagreement of the jury on a charge of procuring abortion, has again been arrested on a similar charge. The case was adjourned in consequence of the illness of accused. Strong complaints have been received from English and Belgian artists of the careless way their pictures were handled at the Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions. Private Allan, of Victoria, scored seven bull's-eyes successively at 600 yards, winning first prize in the match between Intercolonial riflemen. The Albnry vines are only slightly affected by the prevailing drought, and there is every promise of an abundance of fruit. VICTORIA. Mr Quick has introduced a Bill in the Assembly forbidding the advertising or circulating of any announcements for betting, sweeps, or gambling; also, making illegal the negotiation of any cheque or bill for gambling debts. The estimated expenditure on education for next year is £BO,OOO. The Tea Importation Bill passed its third reading on Nov. 16. A letter from Honolulu advises that a Russian fleet of five steam corvettes is shortly expected there. The vessels proceed from Honolulu to Auckland, thence to Hobart and Melbourne. Mr Francis Ormond has informed the Presbyterian Assembly that ha intended to complete the quadrangle of Ormond College, making aooommodation for 150 students. ■ Mr Lucky, Commissioner of New South Wales Railways, meets Mr Bent, the Victorian Commissioner, on Nov. 24, to confer relative to the railway bridge over the Murray. In the Assembly on Nov. 17, Mr Vale made a personal explanation. Ho said it was stated that the late Government had committed itself to a policy of leasing lands tor farming purposes, as to which he was never consulted. Ho could not aqroe with ho policy and therefore resigned. His health Seine bad, he would not seek re-election. He thereupon loft the House, 'i he action was quite unexpected, hur B- O Loghlen, M Berry, and seven others expressed regret. Mr Blackett, Constitutionalist, announces himself as a candidate for Mr Vale a seat— Fitzrov. . A wooden building at Malabury, near Kvneton was discovered to bo on fire, ihe police, on entering, found a man named Hegarty cutting his throat, with a child besfdeW iu bod. The police removed the child and took Hegarty to the Hospital. He had been drinking heavily of late. The house was burned to the ground. ... A dispute has arisen in the Presbyterian Assembly between the' “J M'Vean/ The latter told Mr Webster that a congregation was available at Minindie, whereas they only found one Presbyterian within fifty miles. Mutual recriminations were exchanged. Mr M‘Fean refused to sit in the Assembly till an apology was given. The trial of Thomas King, for poisoning Kennedy at HelonsviUe, terminated on Nov. 17, by a*verdict of « Not Guilty. There was a severe storm on the night of Nov. 16. A cabman, who fell into a street gutter, was carried off the stream and nearly drowned. Finally, by the e two men and a Newfoundland dog, he was rescued with difficulty. . T George Bolt, a clerk in the Victoria Life Insurance Company, charged with scrip for a hundred shares, was committed for trial, bail bcingallowed. . The Associated Banks have raised interest on deposit to 2, 8. and 4 per cent for three, six, and twelve months. ~ , Mr Spurgeon and Messrs Moody an

Sankoy have decline! the invitations of the Young Men s Christian Aisocialion to visit Australia.

The tender of M'Ewan and Oo af £159.000. for 20,000 ton. of steel raft \Z been accepted by Government.

A special Board is now hearing evidence in Mrs Jones’ claims for compensation for tho destruction of Glenrowan Hotel. The Crown witnesses’ evidence showed that Mrs Jones was in sympathy with the Kellys. One swore that she boasted having kissed Ned Kelly. QUEENSLAND. Inspector Fitz Gerald brought a native prisoner from Capo Bedford, who gave an account of the murder of Mrs Watson at Lizard Island. She barricaded herself in the house, shot one notive dead, and wounded another, before being killed herself. The body was thrown in deep water. The baby was saved, but afterwards killed because it kept crying. The native offers to show the spot where the body is placed. H.M.S. Spitfire probably goes in search. _ Mr Phillip George Meyers, member of the flew South Wales Legislature, died at Long Beach on Nov. 16. Ho had arrived in Brisbane two days before with his wife, whom he had just married. SOUTH AU3TBALIA. Parliament prorogued on Nov. 18 till Feb. 3. The supplementary loan estimate of £300,000 was passed. The expenditure of £BO,OOO has been authorised for the development of the interior by means of dam* and reservoirs. The speech congratulated tho Colony on the improved prosperity of the Northern territory, which would be further promoted by Indian labour. The erection of the Exhibition buudiog is rapidly approaching completion, but complaint is made ot want of local interest in the undertaking.