AUSTRALIAN.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 169, 23 January 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright United Press Association, Sydney, Jan 20. The captain of the J. T. Berry insists that the boat was launched bjit; admits ho did not soe it leave me vessel. He also states that the explosion occurred before either boat was launched. Tho Chief officer and a passenger decline to malce any statement. The Government have decided to replace the present tramway system by either cables or electricity The Parkes’ fund has now reached £8000". The annual cricket match between teams representing the Sydney and Melbourne Universities commenced here to-day. The home team in their first innings made 430, the highest scorers being 'Wood E|6 ? and Allen j]Q. The Melbourne team is considered a weak one. The laeat is intense in tho country districts, and soyeral bush fires of a ser'ous nature have occurred. The Postal Conference are discussing what contributions to tho mail subsidy should be made by the colonies outside of the contract and whether such contributions should be levied op the basis of population or the amount of mail ipatter received. The decision will probably be in favor of the former methodHoblbt, Jan 20. The Pederal Council closed to - day. The Fisheries Bill was passed and a standing Committoe appointed’ Adelaide, Jan. 20.

It is rumored that Major-General Downe, K.A.C.M.G., will succeed Brigadier Owen, It.A., as Colonial Commander of the volunteer military force. Newcastle, Jan 20.

Sailed, s.s. Elderslie, for Lyttelton, with two thousand tons of coal.