AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9062, 24 May 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

FIRE BRIGADES' DEMONSTRATION. Sydney, May 23. In connection with the Fire Brigades' demonstration, an immense torchlight procession took place this evening, in which 3000 firemen and eight bands took part. The spectacle was most brilliant, and the main streets, through which .the procession paraded, were thronged with crowds of onlookers. Two thousand five hundred firemen, representing the whole of the colonies, commenced a four-day carnival to-day. THE VICTORIAN BUDGET." Melbourne, May 23. It is anticipated that the Treasurer's Budget will show a surplus of £600,000. THE ELECTRIC TRAMCARS. Sydney, May 23. A successful trial was made to-day of the electric tramcar. Further trials will be made shortly. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Sydney, May 23. A warehouse of Messrs. Gully and Loveday, situated at Casino, on the Richmond River, was destroyed by fire to-day. The damage is estimated at £7000. COLLAPSE OF SILVER STOCK. Sydney, May 23. The silver stocks show an extraordinary depressed state, and the present position falls little short of a collapse. All the Broken Hill shares, except those of the Proprietary Company, have declined fully 50 per cent, during the last week or two. THE MELBOURNE SOCIAL SCANDAL. Melbourne, May 23. The Commissioner of Police is making inquiries into the circumstances connected with the charge of robbery recently preferred against Mrs. Rappeport, before instituting further proceedings. At the hearing of the first charge Mrs. Rappeport was acquitted on the ground or ill-health. VICTORIAN DUTY ON TIMBER. Melbourne, May 23. The representatives - of the timber trade have requested the Commissioner of Customs to increase the duty on im{jorted timber, in order to protect the ocal trade. ACQUITTED. Melbourne, May 23. Edwards was acquitted for shooting Drew. SENTENCED TO DEATH. Melbourne, May 23. Michael O'Shea has been sentenced to death for the murder of his son at Tobbayabba. . MR. SERVICE ELECTED. Melbourne, May 23. Mr. James Service has been elected to the Legislative Council for the Melbourne district. SHIPPING. Newcastle, May 23. Sailed: The Wild Wave, for Auckland. Adelaide, May 23 Arrived: Presto, barque, from Nelson.