AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4199, 29 August 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright.]

(per united press association.)

Received August 23, at 10.30 p.m. Newcastle, August 27. It la stated that during the voyage of H.M.S. Orlando, the new flagship of the Australian squadron, her condenser worked unsatisfactorily, and the orew were put on short allowanoaof water; also that the ventilation of the ship proved defective, occasioning muoh sickness. Melbourne, August 28. Arrived Ship Rangitikel, from London, after a stormy passage. Received August 29, at 0.20 p.m. Sydney, August 29.

Tbe first meeting -of the Australian Society for the Advancement of Soienoe was held last night. Qis Excellency the Governor (Lord Oarrington) occupied the chair. There was a large attendance of the leading scientists of Australia, including Sir Jas. Hector of New Zealand. Thd President of the Society, Mr H. O. Russol (Government astronomer) delivered tbe inaugural address, in the aourse of which he sketohed the work performed by the British Association ainoe it* Inauguration and referred to the gratifying success that had attended the formation of an Australian Society. Mr Russel, at length described the alms of the Society and the work it Bhould accomplish.

News has been reoeived from New Guinea of a serious encounter with New Britain natives by Judge Schmeile, Judge for Kaiser Wilhelmaland and the Bißmarok Archipelago. Judge Schmeile is on a private exploring tour at New Britain, and was accompanied by three Germans and two other whites. The party was attaoked by natives, but, after a short struggle, the latter were driven off, though not before the Judge was shot in the hand and other members of the party were speared—one seriously in the back. All ware recovering from the wounds when the steamer left New Guinea. Hobart, Augußt 29. The Legislative Oounoil yesterday adjourned till the 12th September, members insisting that Ministers should properly adjust the finances of the country before farther business was proceeded with. Adelaide, August 29.

A sharp shock of earthquake was felt throughout Tork Peninsula and In the northern townships last night.