AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9287, 24 August 1893, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.—Klectric Tellers ph. —Copyright, AUSTRALIAN MAIL SERVICE. Melbourne, August 23. The Premier, in reply to a question in the Legislative Assembly, said that when the new contracts for the carriage of mails between England and the colonies came under review, the Government intended to stipulate for a service under thirty days. THE EXPLOSION ON THE ARAMAC. Brisbane, August 23. A witness in the charge against the . man Howard, of causing the explosion on board the steamer Aramae, testified that, the accused, representing himself as the secretary of some union, visited him while superintending blasting operations near Sydney, and desired to know how explosives were used. After being shown Howard desired to purchase some, but Was refused.

THE MERCANTILE BANK CA&ES, M ELBOlfrNe, August 23. The Solicitor-General has written to Magistrate Ponton, censuring his action with regard' to the Mercantile Bank cases. LoNfiON\ August 22. The Financial Times considers that the prosecution of Sir M. Davie,s will only be a sham. GOLDSBftOITGH, MORT AND CO. Mr bourne, August 23. The Supreme Court has sanctioned the re-construction scheme of Golds* brough, Mort, and Co. FIRE AT PORTADELAIDE. Abfi!,Ainis. August 23. A fire in Messrs. Crook and JBrookers* ironmongery store, at Port Adelaide, caused damage to the extent of £10,000. . . ;