AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10020, 6 January 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS .

Press Asftociation.—Electric Teiempii.-Copyriglit. WEST AUSTRALIAN GOLDFIELDS. Perth, January 4. The Governor of the Prison at Rottnesl Island reports the discovery of email quantities of gold there. It is believed, however, that it will not be found in payable quantities. A splendid supply of water has been struck by the Government bore at the White Feather field. Tho water famine at Coolgardie has assumed a serious phase. The condenser proprietors havo formed a ring, and have run the price up sevenpence per gallon. The weather continues very hot. A MALAY RUNS AMUCK. Thursday Island, January 4. The Malay boatswain of the steamer Tainan ran amuck and murderously assaulted the first and second officers of the vessel. A CONFESSION OF MURDER. Perth, January 4. A miner named David Thomas sur rendered to the police ab Bamboo Creek, and stated that he had murdered his mate, James McQueen. They had quarrolled over some liquor which McQueen had forcibly taken from others in the camp, and Thomas shot him dead. After failing to burn the body he buried it. SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF AN AERONAUT. Si'DxVEV, January 5. A sensational balloon ascent was made this afternoon from Clifton Gardens by Miss Leila Adair, the well-known aeronaut, in the presence of several thousand persons. She ascended a height of about 800 yard*, and then detached tho parachute, the woman swinging to the trapeze. The parachute drifted over and fell into the harbour. The woman was noticed by two fishermen, who want to her assistance, and found her hanging with her head down in the water and entangled in the parachute. When rescued she was unconscious and almost dead, but is recovering.