AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 968, 27 May 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per Steamer At Auckland.) (from our own correspondent. ) Sydney, May 22. In the Council, Sir John Robertson moved that the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill should be discharged from the order paper. The motion was agreed to. Mr. Cameron called attention to the fact that the immigration scheme had become a mere traffic, human beings being introduced who were only fit for metropolitan life. Sir H. Parkes read the correspondence which had passed between himself and Chief Justice E. Stephens in reference to the alleged statement by the latter some years since.that Sir H. Parkes ought to be 011 Cockatoo Island. Justice Stephens had a recollection of such a statement being made at a central criminal court. " Attention lias been drawn to the fact that the French Government is about to release from- 500 to 600 more convicts from New Caledonia.

Melbourene, May 22. The detectives and police who arrested Weiberg are to be promoted. The Geelong and Queensclifle line has opened. The Government and members were present. The warrant has been issued for the arrest of Joseph Pearce, charged with aiding and abetting Weiberg. The Government propose to give power to local bodies to employ rates and endowments for the construction of local lines. Four men were killed by a cage falling a distance of 250 feet. Queensland, May 22. The Government has purchased a schooner fropi the Imperial Government, for the Coast Islands, about to be annexed to Queensland territory. Rich finds are reported at Gympie. Newcastle, May 22. The wreck of the Turtle was sold for L 35.