AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9146, 30 August 1888, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MEETING OF SCIENTISTS. [press association.] Sydney, August 29. The first meeting of the Australasian Society for the Advancement of Science was held last night. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Carrington, occupied the chair. There was a large attendance of the leading scientists of Australasia, including Sir James Hector of New Zealand. The President of the Society, Mr. H. C. Russell, Government Astronomer, delivered the inaugural address, in the course of which he sketched the work performed by the British Association since its inauguration, and referred to the gratifying success that had attended the formation of an Australasian Society. Mr. Russell, at length described the aims of the Society, and the work it should accomplish. NEW SOUTH WALES MINISTRY. Sydney, August 29. Mr. James Nixon, member for Maitland (East), has been appointed Minister of Lands, vice Mr. Thomas Garrett, resigned. THE VICTORIAN COAL MINES. Melbourne, August 29. With a view to the development of the Victorian coal mines, the Government have offered to give 25s per ton during the present year for coal required by the Government departments, and 22s 6d during next year. EARTHQUAKE SHOCK. Adelaide, August 29. A shock of ear thquake has been felt at York Peninsula and in the towns in the northern portion of the colony of North Australia. TASMANIAN FINANCE. Hobart, August 29. The Legislative Council has adjourned till September 12th, the members insisting that Ministers shall properly adjust the colony's finances before any other business is proceeded with.