AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1340, 4 August 1877, Page 14

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per Ringarooma, at the Bluff.) Melbourne, July 22adi Parliament is mostly engaged during the week in discussing the Railway Construction Bill, it being decided to rush it through as speedily as possible, as the other Colonies are also proceeding with contracts and taking away contractors and men. Only one election petition has yet been decided. by- the Committee, and that was in favour of the sitting member. Colonel Joseph Anderson, a, Peninsular hero, has died ; aged 88. Sir J. W. F. Jervois has been very ill, but he is now slowly recovering. He is still unable to perform his duties. The West Australia line is expected to be open for traffic at the end of next month. In the libel case against Lee, proprietor of the ''Police News," the Jury were unable to agree. The only additional news about the foundering of the Yarra Yarra is that she had a crew of eighteen men. The body of the mate has been washed ashcre. The vessel was insured in Metcalfe's and tb.e South British offices for L 2600. Attention has been called to the inactivity displayed in sending out the life-boat ; also to the over- loading of colliers. The signalman stated that he attempted to fire a gun for the life-boat to po out three times, but the rain prevented him. No names of the drowned are published.

{Per Zealandia, at Auckland ) Melbourne. It was Btated in the General Assembly that the loss incurred in working the National railways was over £1.000,000 sterling. A fire occurred at Messrs Indicoot, furniture dealers. Premises were insured for £400 in the New Zealand Office. The extensive firm of William M'Culloch and Co. has been dissolved and remodelled, retiring partners receiving £100,000 each. Breadstuffs firm : 250 tons flour sold for shipment at 15 guineas, wheat, 7s 4d. A San Francisco telegram of July 17th aays wheat has advanced Is per bushel since the mail left. Next steamer for the Colonies has only 100 tons fbur. — Hong Kong telegrams dated July 21st states that the steamer Bowen sails on the 10th August. Common teas cheaper. — American telegrams point to further advance in kerosene owing to the manufacturers' combination. Brisbane. The Eoyal Assent has been given to the Public Worship Regulation Bill. Newcastle. The Associated Miners are considering the question of the reduction of wages, which, it is alleged, is imperative, through the lower price of coal adopted by six collieries. The seamen of the Lord Ashley (steamer) refused to go to sea, alleging the vessel was overloaded. The Marine Board, after examination, supported the crew's objection, and the steamer had to discharge 30 tons of coal.