AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6698, 5 October 1882, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per as. Rotorua.) (UNITED press association.) Sydney, September 29. Sir Henry Farkes is much improved in health by his trip to the mountains, and has again resumed his official and Parliamentary duties. The inquest on the fire at the Garden Palace is being proceeded with. So far no light has been thrown on its origin. Contributions are being received to replace the geological collection intended for the Australian Exhibition. A good deal of satisfaction has been felt at the result of Mr Copeland’s motion for opening the Art Gallery on Sundays. The petition was signed by over 23,000 persons. Mr Hoskins, member for Tnnnet, has rs> signed his seat in the Assembly. It is in* tended to erect the Mort statue on vacant ground near the Exchange. Angna Moßind, lately accountant at the Grafton branch of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, has been found guilty of stealing £2900, and sentenced to two years' hard labor. The weather here baa been unusually warm, and rain is very much wanted.

The ironworkers’ strike is still unsettled. The anticipated Ministerial crisis has bean averted by Mr Lachey consenting, at the request of his colleagaes, to continue a member of the Cabinet. Government intend to push forward public business with all celerity. Splendid lambing is looked forward to In many parts of the colony. Melbourne, [September 28. Messrs Decastella and Rotran, of St. Hubert’s Vineyard, hare received an order for SOhhds of various wines from a London firm. Mr Ormond is gratified at ths manner in which tbs working men responded to his appeal for subscriptions for the Working Men’s College. There is still some doubt as 'to whether the case at Hamilton is smallpox or cbickenpoz. In the meantime every precaution is taken. In the Assembly, daring the discussion on the Railway BUI, an exciting scene took place, in the course of which Mr Bent said to Mr Foorichane, “Tha public have branded you as an unmitigated liar.” An apology followed. At the half-yearly meeting of the Victorian Co-operative Drees Supply Association the balance-sheet showed losses during the two years of £SOOO. The “ take-all ” ia reported as having appeared among the crops in a portion of the north-eastern district. A misunderstanding has arisen between the Jesuits and Christian Brothers respecting the management of their schools, and tha result is the Christian Brothers retire where disagreements exist. The Insurance Companea have declined to pay tha claim of the Government of £18,221, the estimated loss by fire at the Government Printing Office, Tha companies will not pay more than £IO,OOO. Unless an agreement is arrived at, the matter will be referred to the law Courts. Dr. Barker's solicitor has forwarded to the Government a statement of statutory declarations tending to clear the Doctor from the aspersions cast upon him in the Stent case, Brisbane. Accounts from Darling Downs show that the wheat crops are suffering from drought, and serious results are likely to ensue if do rain comes soon. The engine -fitters and turners in the employ of Smith and Forrester have struck for advance of wages of IJd per hour. It ia feared the movement will become general. Divers have discovered the principal damage to the Ranelagh, and it ia expected that the vessel will be floated this week.