AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8991, 16 May 1890, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copybtgh-i

(PER PBESaassociation.)

(Received May 15, 8.30. p.m.) Adelaide, May 15. The conference convened by the Postmaster-General to consider the proposed' postal reductions between England and the colonies will meet on the 20th inst. It is expected that all the colonies including New Zealand will be represented. (Received May IC, 1.25 a.m.) Sydney, May 15. Arriv I—-Lindas, ss, from Timara. Kemp has challenged O’Connor to row for the championship. W. C. McPherson, a Sydney athlete, today ran 220 yards in 23 seconds, which is equal to two yards under the world’s amateur records. In the House of Assembly to-day Mr Dibbs, in making a personal explanation, read an extract a letter received by the Premier from General Edwards, which ho (Mr Dibbs) declared to be a conspiracy between the Premier and the linperial Office- He was called to order by the Speaker. The extract referred to is as follows: —“ A portion of the Chinese Imperial Squadron is now at anchor under my window, consisting of two ironclads of the newest type and four very fine heavily-armed cruisers. Admiral Fing, who is in command, is an old comrade of mine under Gordon in 1864. I have been urging him strongly to take the fleet and_ show his flag in foreign parts, especially Australia, but he cannot go this year further than Singapore. Would not this help your Federation ?”