AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1284, 19 May 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER*WAKATIPO AT 'WELLINGTON".) Sydney, May 12. During yesterday's gale the ketch Seabird capsized off Bird Island coast, near Newcastle. One seaman was drowned, and two others and the master were rescued by a passing steamer. Diphtheria is prevalent at Rylstone, and 13 deaths are recorded.

The Assembly carried a motion, proposed by a private member, affirming that it is not. desirable that grants of land for church buildings or religious purposes should be continued in future. Ministers voted against the resolution. The Irish Relief Fund now amounts to L 28.000.

Melbourne, May 12. Owing to the Newcastle miners strike the scarcity of coal in Melbourne almost amounts to a famine. Stocks are so low that contracts have to be suspended. The Gas Company are short supplied.A large meeting was held at the Town Hall on the Chinese question, and to protest against the action of the Exhibition Commissioners in reversing the decision to restrict the Chair contract to articles made by European workmen. Three thousand persons were present, including Messrs. Berry, Woods, Vale, and other Members of Parliament. Resolutions were passed appointing vigilance com- [ mittees throughout the electorates, and take other action. South Australia, May 12. The Totalisator went wrong last race meeting. One machine on the first day registered only L7O received, instead of LSOO. On the second day all the totals were ' disconnected and an incorrect dividend was issued, the machine registering only 136 for the winner, whereas more than 174 tickets were issued. At the Morpeth Uille Races the derangement of the instrument caused a mistake costing the Club Ll5O.