INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1832, 31 December 1886, Page 17

INTERCOLONIAL.

(Beutbb's Telegbams.) Melbourne, December 22. A general agreement has been arrived at between New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria regarding the administration of New Guinea, and the Premier of Queensland has cabled to the Secretary for the Colonies, maintaining that the colonial contribution of £15,000 annually is Sufficient for the purpose.

Mbl/BOUKNB, December 23. , Several Customs frauds have been discovered by the authorities. In each case the importers have been heavily fined. It is believed that the Customs officers have con- . nived at the frauds, and further developments are expected shortly. " ' Harvest operations art rapidly progressing Co aJlpartfr oi tift iMc^ M<fc Otfaa-

brough and Co. in their weekly circular anticipate that double the amount of wheat will be available for export from Victoria this season than was exported last year.

Messrs Goldsbrough held their usual weekly sale yesterday afternoon. The attendance of buyers was large and competition brisk, especially for dry merinos' of good quality. The catalogue comprised 4100 bales, the total amount sold during the week being 3600 bales. Scoured wool sold up to 17£ d, greasy to lOd.

Melbourne, December 24.

Mr Justice Higinbotham has been appointed president of the Centennial Exhibition Commission. Mr Lavater, accountant of the Railway department, will probably be appointed secretary.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company held their usual weekly sale yesterday, when 3384 bales were offered and 2686 sold, making a total of 2906 disposed of during the week. Bidding was spirited throughout, and greaßy decidedly firmer than last week, though scoured was somewhat easier, breasy realised to ll|d. scoured 16d, and washed fleece to 14£ d.

Sydney, December 23.

The steamer Corangamite has gone to pieces and become a total wreck. The certificate of the captain has been suspended for six months.

Sydney, December 24.

Efforts are being made to obtain a reprieve of the prisoners who have been sentenced to death in connection with the Mount Rennie outrage.

New Zeal?nd wheat has declined to 3s 9d per bushel. New Zealand oats are at 2s, and maize at 33 6d. Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces, £25.

Adelaide, December 23. The failure is announced of Messrs Stilling, merchants, of this city. The liabilities amount to £121,000, and the assets to £86,000.