AUSTRALIAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6295, 16 February 1892, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Prel& Association— Electric Telepraph—Copuright.] SYDNEY, Feb. 13. Au enquiry into the loss of the brig Parnell at Frederick's Haven, New Guinea, while on the voyage from Kaipara, entirely exonerates Capt. Dakin from any blame. To-day Government sold one hundred feet of frontage of a new street in front of the Post office for L 126,000. Other allotments were withdrawn, as the reserve of Ll7oO per foot was not reached. Feb. 16.— The Sydney Morning Herald, in a eulogistic article, refers to New Zealand's abstention from debt and borrowing, and mentions the building up of a great meat industry. The article concludes : "New Zealand v\ extricating herself trom her embarrassments has shown us all the way, and the only way, by which ti ac prosperity can be regained." Mr Dibbs has informed Sir Samuel Griffiths that he is favorably disposed to the scheme for a cable to California or Canada, and that Government are prepared to offer a subsidy of £2000 per annum. He asks Sir Samuel Griffiths to express his views regarding the proposal. The Divorce Extension Bill has passed the Legislative Assembly by 38 to 18. A match between Lord Sheffield's team, who played twelve men, and twenty-two juniors was drawn in the first innings. The juniors made 318, the top scorers being Coupliu 71, and Driver 71. The Englishmen put together 162 iv their first innings, Lohmann with 43, and when the stumps were drawn had lost two wickets iv the second innings for 43. MELBOURNE, Feb. 16. In order to relieve the unemployed the construction of two lines of railway, costing £170,000, is being started. At a crowded meeting of citizens it was resolved to petition Government against Mr Munro's appointment to the Agent-General-ship. A slight alteration has been made in the portfolios of the Ministry. Mr Davirs becomes Postmaster-General, Mr Outtrim taking the portfolio of Minister of Defence, which he will hold in addition to that of Minister of Mines. Mr Lynne, who hitherto has not been included in the Cabinet, becomes Minister of Justice. The general elections take place i.i the second or thivd week in April. Mr Shiels the Premier proposes that taxation be increased iv order to assist the finances of the colony. Mr Shiels was anxious to secure the cooperation of Sir Graham Berry and Sir B. O'Loghlen, but that idea brought him into collision with his old colleagues. The dispute was followed by a reconciliation in the shape of the present reconstruction. The Hon. J. G. Duffy, who was approached in his capacity as PostmasterGeneral with, regard to the laying of a cable from Queensland to North America, said that while he would be glad tso see an alternative c.T.ble, Government would not undertake any obligations. Mr Duffy suggested that the Intercolonial Postal Conference should meet on alxmt March Ist. PERTH, Feb. 16. An extraordinary rich find of gold is reported from Parker's range. The stone is said to yield thousands of ounces to the ton.