SYDNEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1132, 1 July 1867, Page 4

SYDNEY.

A terrific gale, accompanied by very heavy rain, has prevailed during the last week, and a considerable portion of the country is submerged. The flood is higher and more disastrous than it has been in the recollection of tho inhabitants, and hundreds of families have been rendered homeless. A large number of lives have been saved by means of boats sent up to the rescue by the Government. Two or three railway bridges have sustained considerable damage, and tho loss of property, in the shape of crops, is.o., will be very great. Several vessels are overdue, but no reports of shipwrecks as yet. ■ _ The anniversary of the Queen's Birthday was observed by a review of the volunteers, a levee at Government House, and other manifestations of loyalty. Parliament will assemble on the 2nd of July. Mr. Hav, late Speaker of the Assembly, has accepted a scat in the Upper House. The construction of our railways has been prosecuted with greater vigour since the money market became easier, and- Parliament will be asked to sanction a loan of three millions, to carry on the Soutliern Railway to the borders of Victoria. The outlawed bushrangers Thomas Clarke and his brother John have been convicted of wounding with intent to murder, and are to be executed to-morrow (the 25tli). Michael Connell and James Griffin are to be tried for the murder of Carroll and party. The only bushranger of any .consequence at large now is Thunderbolt, l'or whose capture the Government have offered a large reward. The arrivals Irom England have been—Dartmouth, Sir John Lawrence, Winona, Woolloomooloo, and Racagua. The Queen of Nations and Besult have sailed for London, and H.M.S. Esk for Portsmouth. The reported loss of the John Williams, mission barque, on the north end of Savage Island is confirmed. Sho was drifted by the current on the reef in a calm. Captain Williams and crew have arrived in Sydney. Trade continues dull, and money easy. Importations of goods during the month have been very limited, and the Customs revenue continues to decrease. Iho receipts from this source for the past five months have fallen below the receipts for the corresponding period of last year by £25,015. Exchange on London, lv,- per cent, premium for bills at sixty days.