INTERCOLONIAL NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 994, 20 March 1891, Page 28

INTERCOLONIAL NEWS.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Melbourne, March 12. Important changes are contemplated in the working of the VicLorian Railways. Government have informed the Commissioners that the railways must be made to pay, and, therefore, that tho train mileage muse be reduced. The proportion of staff to mileage must also be reduced, aud younger men, skilled in the construction of cheap lines, must be appointed to positions of engineer-in-chief and engineer of existing lines. The trial of Johnston, late stock and station agent at Ballarat, for the murder of his wife and four children, has concluded. The jury brought in a verdict of wilful murder against Johnston. Evidence given during the trial showed that Johnston, under great pressure, gave the manager of the bank at which he kept an account a cheque for L6BOO in payment of certain liabilities. It was afterwards discovered that the cheque was a forgery, but the friend whose name Johnston forged honoured it. A man named Cornelius Bourke has been sentenced to death for the murder of a fellow prisoner named CharlesSbowart in Hamilton Gaol. Melbourne, March 14. The Wesloyan Conference has decided to take legal advice as to what steps are necessary to extend the term of ministerial residence on circuit from three to five years. / Melbourne, March 16. Thomas Phelan, locomotive driver, who was sentenced to death for the murder of his paramour, Ada Hatton, at South Yana, on the 15th January, was hanged this morning. Sydney, March 13. The Duke of Manchester has arrived here. He has come out for the benefit of his health. Sydney, March 14. The vessels which were missing and were thought to have come to grief during the recent gales have arrived safely in port. Dr Wilkinson has made several experiments with Dr Koch’s tuberculine, and so far the results have proved satisfactory. Sydney", March 15. The heavy weather still continues. Terrific rain, accompanied by squalls, is reported all along the coast. Over three and a half inches of rain fell in the city in two hours. Sydney, March 17. ** A boat capsized in Shoalhaven River this afternoon, three of the occupants, Winifred and Maud Griffiths and Alice Calley, being drowned. Hobart, March 13. It is currently rumoured the Tasmanian Steam Navigation Company is about to sell out or amalgamate with the Union .Company. The Chairman of Directors and manager have proceeded to New Zealand by the Rotomahana. Adelaide, March 14. Owing to Western Australia having failed to conform with a resolution passed at the Stock Conference held in Sydney, the Eastern Colonies have issued a proclamation prohibiting the importation of hoises and cattle from that part of Australia. Perth, March 17. Wyndliam, a town site on the Cambridge Gulf, has been visited by a cyclone, and one-third of the town. completely destroyed. No loss of life is reported. ______________