AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1156, 24 January 1874, Page 15

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tbljßoraph-1

Melbourne, January 16th. The Governor is expected to return from Tasmania on the 23rd inst. The caissons for the Graving Dock, 81ft. long by 3lft. high, have been successtully launched and placed in position. After a long drought rain fell heavily for three day 3, and has done much good. The weather is again hot. The Jenny Glaus aucl Rekel company are about to visit New Zealand. Ministers are engaged in preparing a political programme to submit to the public at the ensuing elections. It is thought that Parliament will not be dissolved until next month. A handball match between a Sydney and Victorian team is now being played. No accounts have been received from Major Warburton, the explorer of Western Australia. . „ , Mr W. J. T. Clarke, the wealthiest individual in the Colonies, died on Tues Jay, after a tedious illness. He is supposed to have beeu worth over three million*. His funeral took y\m to4ty *j»4 w»b largely •ttepdea*

Governor Weld is expected on a visit from Western Australia.

At the Matriculation and Civil Service examinations several ladies passed, two daughters of Professor Hearn occupying the foremost positions on the list. The City of Melbourne takes the Californian mail from Sydney, the Mikado not having arrived. ' Breadstuff's are very firm. Flour, £13 to £13 10s. Wheat is much wanted, at 5s lOd to 6s ; New Zealand do, 4s Bd. Maize is rising in value, and quoted at 5s 6d. For sugars, especially whites, there is some demand at improved rates. Teas are dull. Brandies command full prices. Wesiland white pine, ex Seabird, 9s 3d to 9s 6d. Tookey's are offered at £15.

Sydney. Parliament has re-assembled. The debate on Captain Ross's case has been resumed. A murder of three men by a lunatic has been committed at Parambong. A rush has taken place to the Endeavour River. Several steamers have been laid on.

Three stowaway convicts from New Caledonia have reached Sydney. Two Frenchmen have arrived at Brisbane in an open boat, having escaped from their guard. Four seamen have been committed for trial for a rape on a married woman. A new Ministry has been formed in Queensland, with Mr Macalister as Premier, whose policy includes the gradual abolition of t c ad valorem duties, increased immigration, and free selection within limited areas. The City of Melbourne leaves Sydney with the Californian mails tn Saturday. She takes 17 boxes of gold and a number of passengers. _^^_ — __

Adelaide.

Floods in the Northern districts have swept away three bridges, and swamped a number of houses.