AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1188, 7 December 1894, Page 34

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Brisbane, November 28

The Treasurer has tabled proposals for a two million loan to meet debentures and Treasury bills maturing, and to make good the deficit.

Ashford has been convicted of perjury in connection with the Coombmartin shooting affray, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Several others concerned received four years’ imprisonment. At the kidnapping trial in reference to the labour schooner William Manson, a boy who acted as interpi-eter for Captain Vos gave evidence that the latter asked a chief who came on board to steal some boys, and gave details of the resistanceoffered by men who were kidnapped.

Sydney, November 28. Large bush fires have swept over the Eureka mine, near Moruya. The shafting timbers caught fire, and two minors named Callendar and Galbraith perished frem suffocation. Owing to the low prices and the continued dry weather large areas of wheat have - been cut for hay. A man named Howison, while birthing on the beach at Newcastle, had one of his arms torn off, and was otherwise mutilated by a shark. His brother only rescued him with great difficulty. ■ • '' Some ugly rumours are circulating in respect of the seaworthiness of the cruiser Katoomba, which recently arrived from Hobart. . -•

It is probable an enquiry will be held. The Labour Settlements Bill has passed its second reading in the Legislative Council. , 1 Nows from Noumea states that H.M.S. Karrakatta has arrived there from the New Hebrides Group after shelling native villages in Tahna as punishment for the recent outrages committed on traders. ‘ The velcanic oruption at Ambry in continues, and shocks of earthquake are frequent., " ■ ' . Sydney, November 29. , The Bteamer Gwydii,bound from Sydney to Newcastle, is a total wreck on a reef at the south of Bird Island. No lives are- lost. The vessel is insured in the South British Office for j>4000.. The Gwydir was re-insured in local offices. [The Gwydir is a steel screw steamer of 518 tons gross and 323 tons net, and was built by J. Redhead and Co., South Shields, in 1886. She was owned by the Newcastle and Hunter River Steam Navi-, gation Company, Sydney, And was a trader between Sydney, and Newcastle. She was commanded by Captain Stafford.] , Rear-Admiral Bowden-Smith denies that the cruiser Katoomba is structurally defective or leaking. A small leak, he says, Avas discovered in the condenser, but it not of a serious character. A serious outbreak of typhoid fever has occurred at Wyalong, four deaths having occurred within the last 24 hours. Tho bush fires in the Urana District extend over a tract of country 10 miles wide, and aro now burning right up to the Murray. Nothing stops their progress, and tho farmers aro sustaining heavy losses. Ten shearers at Forbes have been sentenced to terms of one to three years in connection with the recent outrages. Sydney, November 30. Four shearers Lave been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment in connection with the outrages at Wilcannia. Tho Hon W. P. Reeves has met a number of officers of the Trades and Labour Council, and had a lengthy conversation with them on trade matters. Ho left for Melbourne to-day. Tho Gwydir (wrecked on a reef at the south of Bird Island) was run ashore in order to save life. Sydney, December 2. It is rumoured that the Government will raise a three-quarter million loan locally for the purpose of carrying out certain public Avorks which, when undertaken,

will, it is expected, give labour for the unemployed. It is understood a Bill authorising the loan will be passed before Christmas. Sydney, December 3. The Times, referring to the rumour that Mr Eddy, Chief Commissioner of the New South Wales Railways, had accepted the chairmanship of the South Eastei-n Railway Company, states that the officials of the latter Company say that though he has not been formally appointed they would not deny the statement, as there is a likelihood of the appointment coming off. Mr Eddy states that the chairman of the English railway companies are and not appointed. He admits that he has received certain proposals with regard to the chairmanship of a company in England, and says he returns early next year to accept the position. Sydney, December 4. Gilbert Casey has published a statement announcing the reconstruction of the New Australian scheme. All the offices held under the old constitution are now declared vacant. He says his investigation into the local working of the old scheme discloses a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs. Casey intends to despatch fresh parties, probably by steamer, to New Australia. The feeling prevails in the northern colleries that the hewing rate will be materially reduced this month. Adelaide, November 28. Serious bush fires have destroyed ten miles of the telegraph, line, interrupting communication with Westorn Australia. It is expected it will be two or three days before the line is repaired. The Legislative Council, by a majority of one, has decided against South Australia being represented at the Federal Council. Adelaide, November 30. The first trial shipment of live sheep was despatched to London to-day. Perth, November 28. A parallel reef to that in the Londonderry Consols mine .has been struck. It carries good gold Melbourne, December 2. Regarding the withdrawal of this colony’s guarantee to the Cable Company, the Postmaster-General has replied to the Hon J. G. Ward regretting the step, which he says has been brought about by a temporary depression in finances. He does not, however, think the action of the Victorian Government will cause a reversion to the old" cable rates. Mr Duffy adds that the whole question will be discussed at the Postal Conference in February next. Dr Cockburn, Postmaster - General of South Australia, also communicated with Mr Duffy, asking him to reconsider the decision. VICTORIA AND' :THE CABLE GUAR- ,, ANTED FUND. ' Sydney, December 4. The Postal Department officials state that it is necessary to hold a conference to deal with Victoria’s withdrawal from the cable guarantee. They consider that if the latter adheres to its decision it is hardly likely that the other colonies will continue to support the guarantee, as they will have to find an additional .£SOOO. Melbourne, December 4. The Premier' states that if the majority of the colonies represented at the Postal Conference in March next decide to continue the cable guarantee, Victoria will not stand aloof. [The Postmaster-General, the Hon Mr Ward, has received the following cablegram from Sydney on this subject:—“The following is the extract from the Sydney morning paper to-day, referred to in the press messages'of this morning: ‘The Victorian Premier expresses surprise at the misunderstanding which prevails regarding the action of the Victorian Postmastor-General. Mr Turner says it was merely a general notice so that the Postal Conference in March might be in a position to deal with the entire question vof the cable service. If a majority of the colonies continue the subscription, Victoria will remain a party to the present arrangement ; but if the majority favours discontinuing, Victoria will join them in standing oitt. The action of Mr Duffy (Post-master-General Of Victoria), which he appears to have kept secret, was simply the giving of the three months’ notice in terms of the contract: s ’*].