AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2095, 9 December 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Bv Telegraph.j [Per Arawata, at the Bluff.] Bluet, Dec. 8 The following additional Australian news was brought by the Arawata : VICTORIA. Moonlight conceived organising a gang to stick up the mail steamer, sailing from Adelaide as steerage passengers. The plan was to induce the Lascar crew to mutiny, and seize the officers and vessel. Moonlight would then force the bullion room, and compel the Lascars to take the gang and plunder ashore. October the "first has been definitely fixed for the inauguration of the Melbourne Exhibition. It is probable a premium of fifty guineas will be offered for the words of the inaugural cantata, and one hundred guineas for the best musical composition. Mr Berry refuses to provide the endowment of municipal bodies beyond next September, leaving the new Parliament to express its opinion. The Minister of Instruction is classifying teachers, in order that promotion may in future be given by merit and seniority. NEW SOUTH WALES. A fatal coach accident occurred near Maitland. The driver fell off in a fit, the horses bolted, and the coach capsized. A young lady was killed and several others were seriously injured. Bust has appeared in several places, and is expected to affect the, crops. A largo fire at Greenfield destroyed property worth £IO,OOO. The township was saved with difficult}'. Twelve houses were burnt. Mr Alexander Stuart, member for East Sydney, has accepted the AgentGeneralship. The Bill to legalise the use of the totalisator at racecourses has been introduced.

Mr Dent, late paymaster for the Sydney City Council, embezzled £BOO. The sale of exhibits in the Garden Palace is strictly prohibited. The entries for the Sydney cattle show, on Dec. 18, are not numerous. The Catholic opposition to the Education Bill is strengthening.