AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8988, 28 February 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[press association.] ? SHEEP DISEASE. Sydney, February 27. The sheep disease which was recently reported from Queensland, and which was stated to be of a mangy character, has now made its appearance among the stock in the Clarence district, New England, in the Northern part of tlii3 colony. A CORRUPT POLICE FORCE. Brisbane, February *27._ A system of corruption has been discovered amongst the police in this city, and two constables were to-day sentenced to a term of six months' imprisonment each for taking bribes to permit unlawful games being played in licensed houses. THE MINING MANIA. Sydney, February 27. Speculation in silver mining still continues brisk. Last week a quarter of a million money changed hands on the mining exchange. A rich silver find is reported to have been discovered at Townkey, near Carcoar. Claims have already been extensively pegged-out. A STORMY PASSAGE. Melbourne, February 27. _ Arrived, the Diamond, from the Kai]para. She had a narrow escape from foundering on the 16th during a hurricane, which blew away her canvas and bore the vessel down till the water reached the middle of the main hatch, and found its way to the cabin. Great difficulty was experienced in righting her again. MINING ACCIDENT. Sydney, February 27. A heavy fall is reported to have taken place in the Zigzag Colliery, Lithgow. The miners had to run for their lives, and it is feared the mine will be ruined by the accident. A TABLET TO SYDNEY VOLUNTEERS. Sydney, February 27. A tablet was unveiled in St. Andrew's Cathedral yesterday. It was erected by the artillery in memory of four comrades who died in the Soudan War. THE DIBBS-GARRETT SCENE. Sydney, February 27. _ Mr. Dibbs refuses to waive his privilege. The moderate members on both sides of the House propose to hold a meeting to devise means to restrain disorder. The Speaker is generally condemned as being too weak in his rulings. Mr. Garrett has written to the President of the Reform Club demanding that an enquiry be made into Mr. Dibbs' alleged ungentlemanly conduct. ARRIVAL OF SIR SAUL SAMUEL. Adelaide, February 27. Sir Saul Samuel has arrived by the Chusan. His health is better. He is visiting New South Wales purely for private reasons, and states that he is confident of the desire of Britain to conciliate the colonies, and to draw them closer to the mother country. Sydney, February 27. A public reception is being arranged for the arrival of Sir Saul Samuel, late Agent-General, who is expected to reach Sydney via Adelaide in the course of a day or two.

DEATH OF A PRIZEFIGHTER. Melbourne, February 27. A man named Hyrow, who had been engaged in a prize tight, here lasting an hour, suddenly fainted, and died shortly afterwards in the Hospital. HEAVY RAINS IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, February 27. Tremendous rains have again occurred all over the colony. Further floods art likely to occur. A SCHOONER WRECKED. Brisbane, February 27. The schooner Louisa Lamont was totally wrecked in the gale of last week SHIPPING. Sydney, February 27. Arrived : Waihora, from Russell, and Wentworth, from Kaipara. Sailed: The barque Pactole from Newcastle for Lyttelton. Melbourne, February 27. Arrived : The Diamond and Handa Isle, from New Zealand.