INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 17

INTERCOLONIAL.

(SPECIAL TO THE PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, Jauuary 9th. Another difficulty has arisen, owing to three seamen, who refused to resume work, demanding back- pay from the time of the strike. Other similar claims are made, sup» ported by the Seamen's Union. The A. S. N. Company's Board are considering the demands of the operatives. Work on the site for the Intercolonial Exhibition buildings was commenced today. The southern train ran off the line last night. No serious damage was done. One hundred men are bu3y at the Exhi. tion Building, A daring robbery of Lady Kobinson's jewellery has taken place. The thief waa detected pawning articles to the value of £200. A clerk named Montgomery has been arrested on suspicion. Mr Watson, Treasurer, has been re« elected for Lachlan by a substantial majority over Mr Maclean, the Chairman of the Reform League. The sailing of tho ship Duthie was prevented in an extraordinary manner. A seaman accidentally stabbed himself near the heart, and the doctor forbids the slightest movement. The Duke of Buckingham, Sir James Fergusson, and Sir Henry Ward were competitors for the Governorship. A London cablegram states there are numerous demands for space at the Exhibition, especially from the Continent. Over 1300 emigrants are afloat for Sydney. Private letters report the Duke of Buck« ingham as anxious for the Governorship. The lock-out of the Woollonga miners keeps 6000 men idle. January 13th. The balance of Lady Robinson's jewellery, and a large quantity of other jewellery, the proceeds of other robberies, wis found ia Montgomery's lodgings. He probably obtained admission during the reception, and effected the thefb after the ceremony was over. Four hundred immigrants arrived to-day. During a severe squall yesterday the Pro* testant Hall, village of Lismoie, was un« roofed, trees were W )wn down, and houses flooded. The raia caused considerable damage to gardens and property generally. January 14bh. Inquiries have been instituted regarding the recent fire at the premises of Grossman and Hardings, importers of Swigs goods, late of Christchurch. They state they brought £2500 worth of goods hither, and allege that their books were burned. The Bull! Company has given the men notice to vacate the houses on the Com* pany's estate. A number of men have re« sumed work. Melbourne, January 9th. It is estimated that rust has destroyed % quarter of the wheat crop ia Victoria,

Three men like the Kellys' gang crossed fche border at Albury. Photographic forgeries of the Union Bank's one- pound notes are circulating. Wheat is easy at 4s Bd. January 10th. The Mayor entertained the Canterbury team, who yesterday finished % two-days' match versus South Melbourne. To-day they play East Melbourne, and the Bohemian and Richmond Clubs next week. January 11th. At the sales of Mr Neil Black's shorthorns there was brisk competition, but the prices were lower than last year. Messrs Barsus and Ranniger, merchants, have suspended payment, Barsus disappeared last night, and fears are entertained for his safety. January 12th. Mr Peter Lalor will probably visit Sydney to confer with reference to the border duties. Melbourne, January 13th. Twenty of Kellys' sympathisers have been remanded for a week by the Beeohworth Bench. January 14th. Mr Woods, commissioner of railways, has received a medal and diploma of honour from Napleß, for his improved railway break. Mr Richardson, collector of Customs at Belfast, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement, to the extent of £2000. The Kellys are reported to have been seen on the Lachlan River. They had four fine horses and a pack-horse with them. When noticed, they broke oamp and rode rapidly away, abandoning the pack-horse, which was knocked up. Two troopers and three black trackers procured revolving rifles from' a neighbouring station, and pursued them on the Saturday following. They have not since been heard of. The Kellys were well armed when seen, and the pack-horse left by them was heavily laden. January 15th. Three prisoners escaped at Williamatown by foic.ng the casement ot a window. Adelaide, January 15th. Millers' prices for wheat are 4s 8d to 4s Bi<3, for large parcels. Brisbane, January 13th. • Berens, the merchant, who went insolvent, was found drowned in the river. He had been 30 years in the Colony. January 15th. The Queensland Parliament met yesterday. Mr King was elected Speaker. The members of the " Queenslander " exploring expedition have reached Powell's Creek, South Australia. They lived on game latterly. They were unable to cross the dry swamps, and killed three horses attempting it. They were relieved by the occurrence of a thunder-storm. The New Caledonian insurrection is languishing, and two tribes have surrendered, and have been sent to the Isle of Punes. Daly, master of the Heather Bell, has been arrested, and his vessel ordered to Fiji, to attend the High Commissioner's Court.