COLONIAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6570, 7 December 1882, Page 5

COLONIAL NEWS.

[Rcccirecl Dtecmber C, 9 50 p.m.] THE ROTOMAHANA AGROUND. Mklhouunm:, December (5. The steamship Rotomahana, which started yesterday afternoon for the Bluff, grounded in the Yarra, and has not yet been got off. Part of Iter cargo is now being transhipped into lighters, and it is expected that she will float off with to-night's tide. So far as is known she has sustained no injury.

[Received December 7. 12.55 & ni.l THE TRANSIT OF VENUS. Melbourne, December 6. The weather is cloudy tonight, and it is considered doubtful whether the transit of Venus will be visible from the Victorian stations to-morrow ing[Received December C, 1.35 p.m.] THE RAILWAY COLLISION. Melbourne, December 6. In the Legislative Assembly last night Sir Bryan O'Loghlen made a statement regarding the Hawthorn collision, but deprecated any discussion on the subject at the present time. Mr. Gillies made a lengthy speech, in -which he insisted that radical changes are necessary in- the railway service, and declares that the political system of management has completely failed. Many ether speakers followed, and supported Mr. Gillies' criticisms. Mr. Bent, Commissioner of Railways, spoko at length, and defended the conduct of the Railway Department. A desultory discussion followed, lasting six hours. Mr. Bent, later, introduced a Bill for the better management of the railways, which was announced in the Governor's speech at the opening of the session. An inquest on the body of Mr. W. Thomas, who died from the effects of the injuries received by the railway collision at Hawthorn was commenced yesterday, but the enquiry was adjourned to the loth inst.

[Received December 7, 12.50 a.m.) All persons who were injured at the recent railway accident are progressing favourably. [Received Decembi-T 7, 12.50 a.m.] THE STRIKE OF WHARF LABOURERS. Sydney, December G. The strike of wharf lumpers has terminated, the men having agreed to work at their former wages. [Received December 6, 9.60 p.m.] MELBOURNE MARKET. Melbourne, December 6. Wheat, shipping, is in fair demand at 5s lOd to Gs. There is a moderate enquiry for malting barley at 3s 9d to 4s 2d. New Zealand oats are in good demand at 3s lid to 4s 3d for feeding qualities, and 4s 4d to 4s 5d for milling sorts. SHIPPING. I Melbourne, December 6. Arrived this morning : The Union Co.'s steamship Ringarooma from the Bluff.