AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7792, 24 February 1886, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per s.s. Arawata, via Auckland.) [Per Press Association.] NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, Feb. 18. The division which took place on Mr Gavan’s motion on Tuesday night, was somewhat unexpected, as it was understood that only Sir Henry Farkes intended speaking, and thirteen members were absent. Several of those were pronounced opponents of the Government. Yesterday, on the House meeting, the Premier said he had made a communication to the Governor; but although strongly pressed he declined to state the nature of it.

Sir Henry Parkes then submitted a motion for an address to the Governor, expressing the opinion of the House that any advice tendered at the present time to the Crown for the purpose of procuring a dissolution, would be unjustifiable and deserving of censure. Prom remarks made by Sir Patrick Jennings and some other m ambers, there seems to be a chance of a coalition being formed.}

The Lithgow Valley Colliery is still burning, and all efforts to reach the fire have proved unavailing. The ventilation of the mine is now being closed. The funerals of the deceased men were largely attended, and subscriptions are being raised for their families.

The Mutual Provident Society are opening an office in London. Mr Black, the Actuary, has already proceeded Home, and Mr E. Teece proceeds in April to take charge of the London branch. ' The New Zealand fish which arrived by the last steamer was at first regarded with, suspicion by buyers on account of its being of an unusual brown colour, but when it was shown that this resulted from the effects of the ice the fish were rapidly bought up. The sohnappers averaged from 18s to 21s per dozen; flounders, 2s to Bs.

The fire at Holdsworth and M'Pherson’e, ironmongers, will be a total loss. The Commercial Union lose £BOOO. There were 2501 b of gunpowder stored on the premises, and three successive explosions took place. Lord Carrington is still very active in visiting all the public institutions. On Saturday he presented the Soudan medals to the Contingent. There was something like a military display on the occasion. QUEENSLAND. The Governor has been granted eight months’ leave of absence from the Colony. He sails for England, via San Eranciso, in April next. The Court for adjudicating claims under the Pacific Islanders labour (Compensation Act) is sitting.. Mr James M'Kenzie, of Seaforth Station, ! Low-bird Hill, claims £4071 in respect of fifty returned islanders. Simpton, chief officer, and Swanson, boatswain of the City of Melbourne, were arrested on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of the girl Marion Williamson. VICTORIA. In the libel action Quanie against the proprietors of the Geelong News, the plaintiff received a farthing damages. Quarrie is editor of the Advertiser. The Corporation labourers’ strike has been brought to an end. The contractors agreed to the men’s terms. Mrs Hampson, charged with the murder of her daughter at Coburg, was brought up and further remanded.