Australian News

Otago Witness, Issue 181, 6 August 1886, Page 15

Australian News

VICTORIA.

A difficulty has arisen in reference to the visit of the English cricketing team to Australia in the ensuing season. The Melbourne Cricket Club intend bringing out a combined team ot gentlemen and players, while Lilly white, Shaw, and Shrewsbury have announced their intention of coming with a professional eleven. As it is feared if there are two teams here they will clash with each other, efforts are being made to come to an arrangement for a compromise, and telegrams are being exchanged. The condition of the Melbourne Hospital is again the subject of controversy, and difference amongst the doctors is very marked, some declaring the building is saturated with erysipelas and other foims of septic disease, and fib for nothing but burning down, while others declare that the institution is not in an exceptionally bad state, and is equal to English hospitals. The increase of the woollen tariff in Victoria continues to be the cause of debate, manufacturers declaring the increase insufficient ; while clothing makers declare it will ruin their business it' raised higher. NEW SOUTH WALES. A fire broke out on board the barque Hertfordshire, recently from New Zealand with a cargo of grain. The vessel was slightly damaged and the cargo was considerably damaged by fire and water. The cargo is insured in the New Zealand offices. The gold rush to Tan Tawangola has proved a failure. Most of the diggers have left the ground. It is understood that Cardinal Moran has concurred in a scheme for reconstituting the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Australasia, which includes the creation of a new see in Gippslaiid, another in Riverina, another in Northern Queensland, also the nomination of a special ; bishop for the Native race in New Zealand. The project has been sent to the Vatican for approval. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. In consequence of the suspension of the firm of Wilkinson and Co., wholesale grocers, R. G. Wilkinson, whose sons constitute the firm, resigned the position of manager of the Bank of Adelaide, but the directors refused to accept it, as tho bank was not connected in any way with the firm. THE MARYVALE MYSTERY. The Victorian police are still investigating what is known as the Maryvale mystery. The circumstances in connection with the case briefly stated are as follows : — In 1874 a man named Robert Cook left Mount Gambier for Horsham, together with his wife and child, and having a horse and cart" to travel with. Nothing was heard of them until two years ago, when the remains of Mrs Cook and child were found in the bu,sh near Maryvale, having to all appearance been murdered. On the 9th of July the skeletons of a m,an and a dog were found within a few yards of where the other bodies were discovered two years before, and these were also covered by timber. A medical examination of the skull of the man showed that it had been driven in by an axe or tomahawk behind the right ear. From evidence given at the inquest by a witness who knew Cook well it appears that the remains are not his. He was sft 6,in ' in height with very dark hair, whilst the remains were those of a man sft 7in high, and with fair hair. The remains of moleskin trousers were found with the skeleton and a pipe, whilst the witness who knew Cook declared he never wore moleskin trousers, nor had he ever seen him smoking. The skeletons were found within 100 yds of the main road. Great interest is taken in the case, as it is thought that the remains may be those of a person known to have been intimate with Cook. The police stated that they were making inquiries in America concerning Cook, and the inquest has been adjourned for two months. FLOODS IN QUEENSLAND. The rains, which have been general throughout Australia, caused floods in several places in Queensland. At Charlesville, seven persons, including two blacks, a gin and her picanniny, a Kanaka,, and three Europeans, were compelled , to, take to a tree for safety, and they remained in it all night on the 25th. During the night one of tl}e blacks fell off and was drowned. The townspeople made a raft, but it proved a failure. They were eventually rescued by Mr W. E. Oaldwyn, accountant of the Queensland National Bank, who, in a slight canvas boat made five different trips and brought them all safely to land. The river was running with terrific force, and it is thought Mr Caldwyn's services should be recognised by the Humane Society. He was heartily cheered by the townspeople at St. George. The town is in a state of famine, and a public meeting has asked the Government to forward supplies.