AUSTRALIA.

Southland Times, Issue 3317, 6 February 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

CP-ER PRESS ASSOCIATION'S SPECIAL WIRE.) MELBOURNE, Feb-. 5. The weather is hot and dry eveiy where ; sickness is very prevalent amongst children, arid a serious epidemic is feared. The Hon. Mr Michie is to resign the-Agent-Generalship, and return to Victoria in three months. All Government cqntracts will in future include provision against the employment of Chinese. J • • , ; . Bush .fires are. very prevalent. • • Wheat ,and flour have a 'downward tendency. Country deliveries are yen large, one. firm purchased 100,000 bushels last week. Fifteen parties are out rabbit-destroying. SYDNEY, Feb. 5. A deputation, of Chinese waited upon 'the ' Colonial Secretaiy to confer with' him . upon measures to be taken to abate the immorality amongst the low Chinamen. The Minister promised assistance, and the co-operation of the police. The schedule of Waughgneiur, an insolvent publican, discloses questionable t; ansactions.; .It alleges that part of the insolvent's losses were attributable 1 "to an outlay of money in buying a Government appointment for a mannamed Palmer. This corroborates the charges brought by Mr Mcllhone agaiust Mr Garrett, formerly Minister of JLands. Neither Russia nor the Spanish colonies will be represented at the Exhibition. The former wants more time, the latter are prohibited by financial embarrassment. 'BRISBANE/ Feb. 5.' .Mr- Shaw; registrar of the Supreme Court, has recovered from the effects of his accident and has assumed duty. ; A gentleman named JHurs.t r . has died of lockjawjinduced byabushmari's whip cutting' his eyeball.