AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6149, 2 August 1881, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[rER S.S. TE AJTAU, AT THE BLTTFP.] VICTORIA. Melbourne, July 27. The trial of Henderson, Wright, and Wallace, for the Ferret frauds, concluded on' the 21st, when the prisoners were acquitted on the charge of defrauding the Highland Railway, but were convicted of defrauding the intending- purchasers in attempting to deceive the Commissioner of Customs. Justice Williams occupied two hours in summing up. The jury took over an hour to deliberate on their verdict. On being brought up for sentence, Henderson made a clever speech, denying complicity to sell, and maintaining that the ship was hired to run the blockade for the Peruvian Government. An application was made that the £600 found with Mrs. Henderson be restored to her. The Judge took time to consider the niatter, and yesterday gave an order to hand the money over. It is doubtful, however, whether Airs. Henderson can retain the funds, as the Sheriffs officers are about to bring another judgment , against Henderson: .■•■'■-

Mr. Dobson, who was returned unopposed for the South Province, now intimates that, on the approaching resignation of Mr. W. J, Clarke, he will offer himself for the seat vacated by that gentleman. The Italian warship Erapa, which remained in Melbourne since early in the year, is about to leave for Europe.

The Ocean was relieved from quarantine on the 22nd, on condition that the ship be thoroughly fumigated, and certain portions of clothing destroyed. ■ Fears are entertained for the safety of the brig Firefly, which left the Bluff for Sydney on the 30th of May, and is still unheard of. The Australian Joint Stock Bank profits for the half year are £34,000. Itgavo a dividend of-10 per cent., and a bonus of 2J, and carried £3000 to the reserve fund. .

A rich gold reef was discovered at Nana, . fifty miles from Grafton. A number of people are already proceeding to the place. Considerable excitement prevailed in Melbourne yesternight pending the receipt of; the latest electoral returns. Large crowds] assembled opposite the newspaper offices. When the results were posted Sir B. O'Loyhlen's majority amounted to 91, whereas Mr. Gaunson was defeated by 203. On all sidee great satisfaction is expressed at the defeat of the Minister of Lands. It is expected that Parliament will now finish the labour of the session, and then go into a short recess to enable the Ministers to formulate measures. It is understood that Mr. J. J. Casey will oppose Mr. Robertson, the Constitutional candidate, at Halworth. The Government propose closing the session, and commencing a new session on the 3rd of August, when the Minister of Railways, by public advertisement, will withdraw all official circulars or memO3. of a political character previously issued. The Governments of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia have requested Sir Joseph Hooker to select a scientific man to represent the colonies at the approaching Phylloxera Vastatrix Congress at Bordeaux to report. The application for a patent on behalf of Mr. John Dixon for a new method of manufacturing gas was granted by the SolicitorGeneral. On the 2uth gas was manufactured under the new process before Mr. Dixon was granted the patent. The shares have since risen considerably in this market. The Princes.remain almost exclusively aboard the Inconstant.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide, July 27. The opening ceremony of the Exhibition took place on the 21sfc instant. It was highly successful. The day w.13 proclaimed a holiday, and the streets were thronged with people. The fine arts gallery, inside the building, was previously decorated for the Vice-regal party, and shortly before 12 tho Governor was received at tho gates by a guard of honour of the volunteers. Nearly 12,000 people were inside the building. Mr. Joubert read the address to the Governor, detailing the progress of the undertaking, and Sir W. Jervois iu replying, congratulated the promoters on the success which had attended their efforts, and wished the affair every success. Mr. Joubert then gave the Governor the first gold medal struck in the building, for presentation to the Queen. A cantata, composed by Mr. Methan, was then performed by the choir and the orchestra, and a march by the same composer concluded the opening ceremony. The general public were then admitted, and during the day 17,000 persons passed the gate. Part of the evidence was taken in the Sarah Bell mutiny, but nothing was allowed to transpire regarding the details of the case. The case was further being proceeded with yesterday, when the captain's case concluded. One seaman was discharged. The decision in the case of the others was deferred. The hearing of the cross cases was likewise deferred.

Rev. John Davidson, Professor of English Literature of the Adelaide University, died suddenly, on the 22rid.

QUEENSLAND. . Brisbane, July 27,

Three children in South Brisbane were found suffering from a mild attack of smallpox, and have been placed aboard the floating hospital in the river. , It has now transpired that a young man from Sydney lately lodged in the same house. Mr. Hemmand, the original petitioner in the steel rails case, addressed a crowded meeting on the 23rd. He condemned the report of the commissioners. ■: A vote of thanks to Mr. Hemmand wa3 carried. Mr. Heinmand has since left for Europe. Mr. McAllister, Agent-General, has been granted six months leave. Mr. Thomas Archer has been appointed ad interim, and sailed ou the 25th for London.