INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1652, 21 July 1883, Page 11

INTERCOLONIAL.

[By Eleotbio Telegbaph— Copybioht.J

(ReUTEB'S TeLEOBAMS.) Melbourne, July 12, Arrived, this morning: The Orient Com-

pany's steamship Liguria, from Plymouth (June 3). July 14. The Argus has despatched Mr Julian Thomas ("The Vagabond") to report on the New Hebrides. Quarantine has been established here for vessels from Fiji, in consequence of smallpox, cholera, and measles being prevalent there. A telegram has been received announcing the arrival of the Austral (all well) at Rio de Janeiro on the 12th inst. She put in to replenish her supply of coal. Unfavourable weather was experienced on the passage July 16. The Premier has received a telegram from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Great Britain to the effect that, in their opinion, the agreement recently concluded between the Government and Count De Lesseps for the construction of the Suez Canal will hamper Australian trade for the next 50 years. Mr Service, as Treasurer, will probably make his Financial Statement on Wednesday next. Melbourne, July 17. Mistaken and Sting have been scratched for the Melbourne Cup. At a public meeting held here last night, the Mayor of Melbourne presiding, resolutions were passed in support of the proposed annexation of the Pacific islands. Messrs C. S. Ross and Co., of this city, report the sale of kauri timber at the following average prices per 100 ft super. : — Hewn logs, 12s 9d ; sawn flitches, 15s. Sydney, July 12. Sailed, this afternoon : The Pacific mail steamer Australia, for San Francisco, via Auckland. Her passenger-list is full, and includes Sir Henry Parkes and Mr Archibald Forbes. Latest advices to hand from Fiji report that on the 30th ult. a number of sailors and coolies who were detained in quarantine at Suva succeeded in effecting an escape. All, however, were recovered, and had no communication with the natives of the island. July 13. New Zealand wheat remains at 4s 3d per bushel, and New Zealand oats at 2s 6d. Maize is at 2s lOd. Sugar— Company's No. 1 pieces, per ton, £35. A proclamation has been issued to-day declaring various ports of China and Fiji infected places, and all vessels coming therefrom are to be placed in quarantine. Adelaide, July 16. Arrived, this morning : Measageries Maritimes Company's steamship Melbourne, from Marseilles (June 7). Brisbane, July. 11. In the Legislative Assembly last night the Appropriation Bill for £500,000 was passed through all its stages. The session is now virtually closed, and a dissolution is expected to be proclaimed immediately. Albany, July 17. The P. and O. steamship Cathay, with the inward Suez mails dated London, June 15, arrived at King George's Sound this afternoon.