AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9445, 16 August 1889, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

ADMIRAL FAIRFAX. Sydney, August 10. Admiral Fairfax has been appointed second Lord of the Admiralty, and leaves for England in a month. His successor has not yet been appointed. FAMINE AT SAMOA. Sydney, August 10. Large presents of food are being sent to Samoa. The latest reports showthat 30,000 human beings are in a state of semi-starvation, and that further assistance is urgently needed. ANNEXED~BY~ BRITAIN. Sydney, August 10. H.M.s. Egeria has annexed the Phoenix and Union groups of islands on the route of the Pacific cable. No opposition was offered. It is reported that the American flag is flying on several islands of the groups. WHOLESALE ROBBERY. Melbourne, August 10. The Customs detectives have unearthed an extraordinary wholesale systematic robbery of goods from lighters used in removing goods under bond. A valuable plant has been discovered at Port Melbourne. THE MURPHY TORPEDO. Melbourne, August 10. The Murphy torpedo, mentioned in a recent cable message, is the invention of a resident of YVarrnambool. THE GIPPSLAND COALFIELDS. Melbourne, August 10. Sir James Hector, of New Zealand, says that the coal seams in Gippslaua could not be profitably worked on a large scale, but as an indication of the existence of a coalfield they are of great value. MINER'S STRIKE. Sydney, August 10. The Mount Kembla miners have again struck work.