AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4663, 27 January 1877, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN CABLE NEWS.

Sydney, January 25 th. The Conference met to day, but the busi ness was only formal. The Premier gives the members a marine picnic to-morrow. Melbourne, January 25th. Sailed.—S.S. Alhambra, for Bluff. .» SPECIAL TELEGRAMS. (from our own correspondents.) Oamaru, January 26th. A carrier named Ferguson left for K"akanui with a team yesterday. Last evening the horses and waggon were brought into town by a man who found them without anyone in charge near Totara. Smith, brother-in-law e-f the missing man, started last night to seaich, but up to this evening no tidings were received of Ferguson. The missing man was particularly sober. It is feared something serious has happened, as he was one not likely to leave his horses unnecessarily. Last night a cowardly assault was committed by Thos. Barrett upon John Henderson, Clerk of the Municipal Council. Henderson was walking down the street^ when Barrett came behind with a bis; stick aud struck him over the head. Accused was brought up at the Police Court this morning, and the case was remanded to Monday, to I allow him to be represented by O'Meagher.

Mataura, January 26th. The few sections offered here to-day brought as follows : —Mat&ura Bridge, from £5 to £8; Wyndham, seven seotions, from £5 to £7; leaving only three Government seotions in each unsold- The Presbyterian Church succeeded at last in securing section 1, block VI., coataiaiDg 5 acres, for £47.

This section has been competed for twice ris different sales,r and £12 deposit forfeited. James M'Nab, Otakai, purchased 72 acres, Wyndham district, at L2 7s 6d per aare (upset price 20sJ, ttere being two keen competitors. • The weather yesterday was exceedingly rough and boisterous, with a heavy rain j to-day showers and high wind. The crops in some cases are injured. Fears are entertained for further damage.

Riverton, January 26tb. On resuming last night, the County Council resolved that their meetings be held at Riverton. A resolution was passed, urging on the Government the necessity of com-" pleting the Western Railway. The Chairman was instructed to telegraph to the Colonial Secretary, enquiring whether the Council cpn have an overdraft of £400 at the Bank; or if not, whether the Government will grant it an advance of that amount for carrying out pressing works. Afcer transacting some unimportant business, the Council adjourned to the 22ud February. An accident has happened at Round Hill road works, Oiepuki. While a miner named John Frew was at work, a tree fell on him, striking him on the head, <md severely wounding the scalp, the shock breaking his back bone. He is to be taken to the Tmrer» cargill Hospital to-day.