INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1581, 11 March 1882, Page 11

INTERCOLONIAL.

(Eeuter's Special.)

Melbourne, March 2nd. The Government have decided to complete the defences at Port Phillip Heads without delay, and to re-establish the Permanent Artillery Corps which was disbanded a short time back, The Victorian revenue returns for the past month are very favourable, satisfactory increases being shown in most of the branches of revenue. The widow of Mr Stephen, who died in August last from the effects of the injuries received at the Jolimont railway accident, has been awarded £3000 compensation. At to-day's meeting of the Cabinet it was decided to reinstate ex-Superintendents > of Police Hare and Nicholson to the appointments formerly held by them as magistrates of the Colony, Insoeotor Conley has been appointed chief commissioner of police. The Cabinet have decided that the constables who formed the hut party on the night of Sherritt's murder during the pursuit of the Kelly gang shall be dismissed from the service,

March 3rd. Arrived, this morning: Union Company's steamship Ta Anau, from the Bluff. March 4th. His Excellency the Governor has telegraphed to Eari Kimberley, Secretary of State for the Colonieß, conveying his congratulations upon the escape of her Majesty from the attack recently made upon her life.

March 6th. Arrived this morning: P. and 0. Company's steamship Shannon, with the Suez mail, which left London on 27th January. The National Anthem was played in most of the city and suburban churches yesterday to commemorate the Queen's escape from assassination. A public meeting is being organised in this city and other towns in the Colony to mark the citizens' loyalty to the Queen, and their pleasure at her Majesty's deliverance.

Sydney, March 2nd. Sailed : Arawata, for Auckland. A number of persons who were in quarantine have been released, and the Colony is now declared to be free of smallpox, except at the sanitarium at Little Bay.

March 3rd. The body of a boy of three years of age, who had been murdered, was found to-day on Flagstaff Hill. The mother, a woman of French extraction, has been arrested on suspicion. Patna rice has advanced 10s per ton, and is now quoted at £14 10s. Sugar (Company's No. 1 pieces), £35 ; New Zealand wheat, 5s 3d per bushel ; New Zealand oats, 3s 2d. Candles -D.R. J.s, 7§d : D.R.O's, 7id.

March 6th.

Tobacco active ; prices rising rapidly. March 7th. A boat capsized in the harbour to-day, and two Italians who were in it were drowned. The residence of Mr Pernell, at Randwick, was totally destroyed by fire to-day. The building and furniture were only partially insured.

Adelaide, March 3rd. The wheat market is firm. Wheat, 5s 2d per bushel ; town flour, £11 17s 6d per ton. Freight to United Kingdom from Adelaide, 40s ; from outports, 42s Cd. Brisbane, March 4th. Arrangements are being made for a bimonthly steamer between London and Brisbane, via Torres Strait.