AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[press association.]

FIRE AT A CONVICT STATION. Brisbane, February 24. Great excitement Avas caused here today by the report that ther Queensland penal establishment on St. Helena Island, situated in Moreton, and 22 miles from this town, was on fire, and that the convicts were escaping. A large body of armed police went on board a steamer to proceed to the island, but it was ascertained that the gashouse on the island was ablaze, and that the terrified men, thinking the prison on fire, set up a screaming, and had to be released from the cells. The fire soon burnt itself out, and tranquillity was restored. Steamboat collision. Brisbane, February 24. The Government steamer Otter collided with Messrs. Howard, Smith, and Co.'s steamer Derwent in the river today. Both vessels _ had _ large holes knocked in them, which will take some time to repair. The Derwent was only prevented from sinking by her watertight compartments. ASSAULTSON WOMEN. Melbourne, February 24. Two startling cases of criminal assault on women are in the hands of the police. One was committed in the middle of the month, and only became known through the woman being on the point of death. In the other case a number of men are concerned, and in both cases the victims were brutally illused. THE MINING MANIA. Adelaide, February 24. The mining mania is stronger than ever, and fresh companies are being floated daily. A very large amount of capital is pouring in from England and the colonies. A NOBLE GIFT. Sydney, February 24. ,Mr. W. H. Daling, as a memorial of the centenary, has given an estate of 450 acres, with plant and stock, and £10,000 cash,as a fund for a convalescent hospital, to be named the Carrington Hospital. ;

THE COMET. Sydney, February 24. The comet was visible early in the morning.

A NEW SHEEP DISEASE. Brisbane, February 24. A new sheep disease lias appeared of a. mangy character, and is rather virulent. It is thought that the grass of the district may be responsible fof this 'outbreak.