AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11725, 1 November 1898, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph-Copyright. , NEW GUINEA. ’ SYDNEY, Oct. 31

Sir William Macgregor has arrived here, en route for Europe. He had a conversation with Mr Reid with reference to New Guinea, and the latter states that the talk has not affected his attitude with regard to the New Guinea “land grab.”

In the course of the interview Sir William Macgregor stated his belief that there was every possibility of a big goldfield being discovered in New Guinea. VICTORIAN WHEAT CROP.

MELBOURNE, Oct. 31.

The “ Leader ” estimates, after careful examination of the crops in the principal wheat districts, that though the yield will be much lower than promised earlier in the season, there will bo good supplies for export if the weather continues favourable. SHIP ON FIRE.

BRISBANE, Oct. 31.

The ship Bedrock took fire at Townsville, and the damage done amounts to about £SOOO. It is believed that the cargo is not much injured.

OMINOUS WRECKAGE. ADELAIDE, Oct. 31

The steamer Port Deniston, from London, reports that on Oct. 15, during a hurricane in the Southern Ocean, she steamed through large quantities of boxes and other wreckage, and next day fell in with a vast number of kerosene oil cases, which had apparently been in the water only a few hours. There were no other signs of a vessel.