AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10130, 13 May 1896, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

t.'MS Asiociatioii.—Electric Telegraph.—Copyright,

DROWNED AT SEA.

Sydney, May 12. Tasker. chief mate of the barquentine Rio, from Napier, was knocked overboard during the voyage, while slackening the mizzen sheet and drowned.

THE VANCOUVER SERVICE.

Brisbane, May 12.

Captain Bird, of theMiowera, is negotiate ing with the Government on behalf of Messrs. Huddart, Parker, and Co., to extend the Vancouver service to Queensland, If sufficient inducement is offered Brisbane will be made the first port of call, and the last of departure. Captain Bird Las pre. seated tvrj proposals, one for a thirty-one day service with two steamers, or threeweekly with three. The Company ara anxious to extend the service to Queensland, but Captain Bird says if the Government are not willing to meet him it is most likely the Company will arrange to make a port in New Zealand a port of call. He thinks the Queensland trade preferable because more in the line of route than New Zealand. Ib is understood that Captain Bird asks lor nob less than £10,000 for a seven-years' contract. The Cabinet, it is believed, are favourable, but they have not decided what amount of subsidy to give.

CHARGE AGAINST A BANK MANAGER.

Melbourne, May 12.

By rant, the manager of the Union Bank at Egerton, has been arrested on a charge of fraud in connection with a cheque for £900.

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

Sydney, May I*2.

Parliament was opened this afternoon by the Governor with the usual ceremony. The Governor in his speech referred in sympathetic terms to the death of Sir H. Parkes, expressed the belief that the attendance of all the colonies at the federal Convention was assured. One of the subjects receiving early attention will be the construction of light railways, also the introduction of a measure for the extension of the Chinese Restriction Act, to other coloured races. A bill to facilitate the resumption of large estates for the purpose of promoting closer settlement will be brought down, and while Parliament will not be invited to deal comprehensively with local government, legislation in the shape of the employment of municipal laws, and the providing for municipal loans under a Government guarantee, will be introduced.

THE DEAN CASE.

Sydney, May 12.

The Full Court is hearing Meagher's and Dean's appeals. The first point—viz., that the indictment was bad—was decided against the appellants. The second pointthat Meagher's speeches in Parliament were inadmissible as evidence—is now being argued.

THE MINERS' STRIKE. Sydney, May 12. The Miners' Association has granted permission to work in the New Lambton colliery on tribute, and in the Dudley colliery on terms equivalent to the 1888 agreement. These mic-- in conjunction with several others are capable of nearly supplying intercolonial requirements.

WINTRS? WEATHER.

Melbourne, May 12,

Heavy rain has fallen over the Southern districts, with snowstorms in some parts. The River Barron has overflowed its banks, and floods are feared.