AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9017, 2 April 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

A FLYING MACHINE. Melbourne, March 29. - Mr. Chidley, the inventor of a flying machine, had a public trial to-day, but a strong wind blowing upset the machine, and the occupants were thrown violently to the ground, receiving rather a severe shaking. THE SYDNEYFRAUDS. Sydney, March 29. > In the Legislative Assembly the Premier justified the appointment of the suspended Municipal officers to the Sewerage Board, as he was in possession of certain information which warranted the action taken. ,

VICTORIAN GRAIN FREIGHTS. Melbourne, March 29. A deputation asked the Premier to reduce the grain freights 50 per cent., to temporarily relieve the farmers who are suffering from low prices. The deputation urged that the estimated loss of £100,000 could be recouped by the railways from the general revenue. Mr. Gillies, Premier, in reply to the deputation, said that Parliament would have to decide such an important matter.

NEW SOUTH WALES RAILWAYS.

Sydney, March 31. The Minister for _ Public Works intends to effect radical reform in the working of the Railway Department. Recent investigations into the working of the Department show ■ that great waste of money has been going on.

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON: •, . Sydney, March 31. Arrived: H.M.s. Nelson and Opal, from New Zealand." : x

M. PASTEUR'S RABBIT SCHEME.

Adelaide, March 29. M. Levi, M. Pasteur's nephew, with M. Germont, a French doctor, and Dr. Hinds, an English doctor, are passengers by the Cuzco. They come to Australia to conduct experiments in connection with M. Pasteur's rabbit extermination scheme. M. Levi, in reply to an interviewer, stated emphatically that the possibility of any ill effects from the experiments had been disproved by M. Pasteur. The disease with which it was proposed to infect the rabbits was not allied to cholera, and M Levi stated that persons had eaten infected poultry without experiencing the slightest inconvenience or discomfort. He also stated that after infection the rabbits die painlessly within 24 hours. In reply to further questions, M. Levi said he was not aware what eftect the disease would have upon the skins.

DUTY ON TIMBER. v Melbourne, March 29. It is probable that the duties on Oregon timber will be increased. POPULATION OF QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, March 29. The population of the colony at the time of the last census returns was 367,000. ' THE SUEZ MAIL. . Albany, April 1. Arrived: The P. and O. steamer Rosetta, from Plymouth. THE MANAPOURI. - Hobart, March 30. Arrived: The Manapouri, from New Zealand. •• • f • SHIPPING. * " 4 : astle. March 29. Sailed: Barque Notero, for Lyttelton. B'.obart, March 30. The Janet Nicoll has arrived at Launceston, from the Kaipara,