AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1106, 12 May 1893, Page 36

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Brisbane, May 4. One of the Charters Towers candidates retires in favour of Sir Charles Lilley. A strong combination is being formed to secure his defeat. The following is the list of contributions received from the various colonies towards the Flood Relief Fund : Queensland, L] 8,944 ; New Zealand, L 13.707 ; New South Wales, L 10.833 ; Victoria, L 7576 ; South Australia, L 4204; Tasmania, Llßls ; Western Australia, L 1653. These amounts do not include the value of produce, &c. The English subscriptions amounted to L 10,337. . Brisbane, May 5. Archduke Ferdinand of Austria has arrived at Thursday Island. Brisbane, May 6.

In the elections to-day twelve Ministerialists were returned, live Oppositionists and three Labour representatives. The features of the day were the defeat of Mr Donaldson, the leader of the Opposition, and Mr Noiton, the late Speaker. Brisbane, May 8.

Fifty-two members out of 72 have now been returned. The state of parties so far is—Ministerial, 34 ; Opposition, 5; Labour, 7 ; Independent, 6. Sydney, May D.

On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Sir Henry Parkes moved an amendment deprecating the action of the Government in interfering with the education vote, and altering the age-limit. Mr Suttor pointed out that the reductions would save the colony L 140,000 annually. The amendment was negatived by a majority of 28. A disgraceful fight took place in the lobby last night between Messrs Crick and Haynes. The former was considerably knocked about before the police and messengers separated the combatants. Parliament is expected to close in a fortnight. Sydney, May 6. The Japanese Parliament has passed a Bill subsidising the Japan Mail Steamship Company to run a first-class line of steamers to Australia. Adelaide, May 5. The steamer Australia delivered her outward mails in 26 days—the fastest in the history of the mail service. Melbourne, May 5. The Tyson Sanatorium Company has been fined L 5 and LlO 10s costs for a breach of the Poisons Act. The company had sold two bottles of Tyson's 'cure for drunkenness,' which were seized by tha Government Analyst, who deposed that they contained a large quantity of strychnine. A table-spoonful taken as one dose would be sufficient!to kill an adult. Ten guineas was the charge for two bottles, while the commercial value was only two shillings. Melbourne, May 6. The shareholders of the Modem Building Society have accepted the reconstruction scheme. I Melbourne, May 9. Informal negotiations are proceeding with New South Wales to establish reciprocity and sweep away the border barriers. The Victorian Government is prepared to favourably receive overtures from Sir George Dibbs on the subject. It is believed that if a Customs Union were formed, with Protection against the world, the other colonies would soon join, and the movement would pave the way for Australian Federation. In the Mercantile Bank prosecutions, Sir M. Davies and Mr Milledge are being tried by Mr McDonald, the Magistrate, alone, whose coadjutors were in favour of acquitting the whole of the accused and withdrew from the proceedings. The charge of conspiracy against Davies and Milledge is still proceeding. Perth, May 9.

The first issue of 4| per cent Treasury bills, amounting to L 20.000, has been subscribed.