AUSTRALIAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8096, 23 December 1897, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Electric Tolegraph— Copyright— United I'rcsa Association.) SYDNEY, Deo. 22. Direct telephonic communication has been established between Sydney and ' Newcastle. News from the Islands states that the Solomon Islanders continue to display much hostility to traders. While the schooner Eclipse was loading at Valla, Havilla the natives tomahawked, stabbed, and severely injured Captain Pratt, who shot his attackers. A large number of hostile natives in canoes were driven off with firearms. The wool sales closed to-day. During the half-year 308,000 bnles were sold, compared with 276,000 in the corresponding half of last year. The closing prices were firm at the recent improvement. All good wools were well maintained. The steamers Lubra and Celtic King collided in Newcastle Harbor. The Lubra's stem was bent and several plates buckled. The damage is estimated at £600. Tho Celtic King was completing her loading of a cargo of wool and frozen meat for London. A plate was cut through just about the water-line and several buckled, the damage being £2000. She conies to Sydney to bo docked and repaired, MELBOURNE, Deo. 22. Parliament has been prorogued until the Ist March. (Received Dec. 23, 10.14 a.m.) Deo. 23. — Several nuggets, three of which weighed 30, GO, and 67 ounces respectively, have been found at Taruagulla. A rush has taken place. . (Received Dec. 23, 10.14 a.m.) ALBANY, Djsc. 23. Arrived : It.M.S. Himalaya from London. Passengers for New Zealand : Messrs Lewis, Harris, Leace, Wilfield, Gilmore, Blackrock, Napier, Alister, Harker, Clihold, Aoland, and Dugdale ; Mr and Mrs Davis and family, Mr and Mrs Clark, Mr and Mrs Rhodes ; Misses Harker, Culton, Keeney, Castellane, Kupgerbe, and Turnbull ; Mesdames Culton, Barker, and Leuue. ADELAIDE, Dkc. 23. Sir Thomas Playford, the Agent- General, returns to the colony in April. Dr Cockburn will probably succeed him. PERTH, Dec. 23. A rich strike of gold is reported from a winze of the Great Boulder mine 60ft below the 200 ft level.