AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 610, 16 April 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(i'.KH KOTOUKA AT AUCKLAND.) MELBOVIiNR At Goulburn, John Gears convicted, of rape has been sentenced to death. The Pilot Board have considered the circumstance of running down the fishing boat by a Dutoh barque, five .miles from Williamstown. Their decision is reserved. There was a splendid attendance at the Opera House at Madame Simonsen's benefit, The Governor in proroguing Parliament said :—Grave questions of constitutional rights and powers have arisen, and have been debated and maintained with inflexible resolution, hut 1' rejoice to add that a settlement has ultimately been found not inconsistent with the principles of responsible Government and the spirit of the constitution. Notwithstanding the delay which unfortunately occurred in connection with the passing of the Appropriation Bill the public works of the Colony have been uninterrupted, and the administration of justice, and of the several departments of Government, lias proceeded without interuption." The defences at the Heads are nearly completed, and will form a strong fortification. Mr. Allen continues his Sunday services. Bortcant and Parsons are elected for Encounter Bay ; Ross and Lyre for Wallaroo. The revenue receipts for the past nine months is L 1,176,389, showing an increase on the corresponding period of 1877 of L 153..144. The special receipts for the same period are L 192,286. The expenditure for the nine months is LI,OOS,SSB, as against L 926,425 for the corresponding period of last year. The loan expenditure is L 689,871 for the same period. The quarter's revenue is L 351.961, an increase over the corresponding period of last year of L 24.000. The expenditure for'the quarter amounts to L 364.807Further searches undoubtedly confirm the wreck of the ship Merchant. A board having the letter ' E ' and part of the letter ' R' has been found, and also a portion of the stern of a large Teasel with

the letter ' M ' and part of the letter ' E ' cut in lead, and nailed on a number of logs, with various brands. The remains of a boat have also been discovered. Further searches are ordered.