INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10179, 13 October 1894, Page 4

INTERCOLONIAL.

Press ■ Associatioh-By Telegraph-Copyrighl

T3S BANK RATE. Mblboueke, October 12. The bank rate is 3 per cent,, which is the lowest for 13 years. DAMAGE BT FLOODS. Seven miles of the Warracknabeal-Hope-toun railway have been washed away. A MELBOURNE SENSATION. A sensational encounter took place in Collins street to-day between Dr O Haraand Mr Purves tbe well-known banister. Ihe former, who was much incensed at an alleged reflection cast upon him by Mr Pnryes during a recent court case, without warning struck the barrister in the face. A scuffle ensued, resulting in Mr Purves falling in the gutter. The combatants were separated by friends. Ir, is not likely that a court case will arise, as Mr Purves declared his intention to resort to fisticuffs. FIGHTING AT THE NEW HEBRIDES. Sydney, October 12. Fighting and cannibalism continue at Tanna and Espirtu Santo in the New Hebrides. The traders are petitioning Great Britain to take possession of the group and put a stop to the fiendish warfare among the natives. AN INCORRECT REPORT. Tbe information received via Auckland: of the loss of the Lady Robinson at the Gilbert Group turns out to be incorrect. The vessel made a prolonged passage, which caused the rumour to be started. THE AMALGAM ROBBER. Barret, who pleaded guilty to stealing gold from the mine at Lucknow, was sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment,

REDUCING THE RATE OE INTEREST. It is expected the bank rate of interest will be reduced to 3 per cent, next week. RELEASING PRISONERS. Augustus Miller, one of the prisoners sentenced in 1892 to seven years' imprisonment in connection with banking frauds, will be released immediately. The Government have;under consideration the release of certain other prisoners connected with bank swindles. A PROTRACTED SITTING. Brisbane, October 12. The Assembly sat over 24 hours consider-

ing the Estimates, which were stonewalled by the Labour party as a protest against Mr Stephens, who again acted temporarily as Chairman. Progress was only made when he was replaced by another Chairman. Mr Glassey levelled personalities against, the Premier, and a scene was narrowly averted. TEMPORARILY INSANE. Adelaide, October 12. The shopkeeper Rucel, who recently assaulted a lady customer, and was thought to be suffering from hydrophobia, }s believed to be temporarily insane.