INTERCOLONIAL. (Reuter's Telegrams.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1813, 20 August 1886, Page 9

INTERCOLONIAL. (Reuter's Telegrams.)

Melbourne, August 12. A fire broke out to-day in Messrs M'Callum's parcels office, and resulted in the destruction of the building and contents. Melbourne, August 15. The dispute between the ironmasters and men being still unsettled, a partial lock-out takes place to-morrow. Two hundred ironworkers are affected. It is believed Caffrey, the Barrier Island murderer, has been seen in Gippsland. The police are now engaged in searching the district. The committee of the Melbourne Cricket Club has decided to abandon the idea of importing a team in opposition to that which" Lillywhite brings to the colonies next season. Melbourne, August 17. The operations of the Victorian Sugar Works have been suspended, pending a revival of the trade. Melbourne, August 18. The Premier (Mr Gillies) made a statement last night to the effect that the Victorian Government deemed it unnecessary to ask the other colonies to renew the protest regarding the New Hebrides. The only satisfactory solution would be the fixing of the date for the withdrawal of the French troops. The colonies, he added, were agreed regarding the questions of the influx of French criminals and the prevention of contamination therefrom. Sydney, August 13. The Marine Board has held an inquiry into the loss of the steamship Ly-ee-Moon in May last, and found that the same was caused by the default of Captain Webber and Mr Fotheringham (third officer). The board will give a decision as to their certificates on Monday next. The Norwegian barque Belona arrived to-day from New York. She brings with her the crew o£ the ship Royal Edward, which left Gloucester for Melbourne on the 29th April last. The latter vessel having become water-logged, was abandoned at sea by the crew. Wheat and oats show a slight improvement on last quotations, but maize and pollard have fallen. Sugar and potatoes are firm. New Zealand wheat is at 4s 5d per bushel, and New Zealand oats 2s 6d per bushel. Maize, per 561b, is at 3s; and pollard at Is per bushel. Potatoes, 70s per ton Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces, £15. Sydney, August 16. The schooner Condong "capsized yesterday off Port Stephens. Two of the crew were drowned, but the others on board were rescued, though with difficulty. A disturbed feeling prevails among the coal miners at Woollongong. The Marine Board has announced its decision in connection with the inquiry into the Ly-ee-moon disaster. The certificate of Captain Webber has been cancelled, and that of the third officer, Mr Fotheringham, suspended for one year. Sydney, August 17. The survey of the Ohasca shows that she must undergo extensive repairs. All her cargo is now being discharged. August 18. Mr Dibbs has resigned his position in the Cabinet as Colonial Secretary, owing to a difference of opinion with his colleagues in reference to the proposed establishment of a statistical department