AUSTRALIA.

Southland Times, Issue 8062, 17 July 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

[By Sleotbio TfltsGßAPH— Copyright.]

(RSUTEB'S TELEGBAMS.)

HOBART, July 16. Two men named Rice and O'Keefe, who were recently arrested by tbe Taemanian police for complicity in the BeacOnsfield bank robbery, were brought op before the Hobart magistrates yesterday for examination. After beariDg the evidence of the cpnvict Ward, who is now undergoing sentence for the same robbery, and who has turned Queen's evidence against Rice and O'Keefe, the Benoh committed the prisouerß for trial, MELBOURNE, July 16. The ship North American left Melbourne for London on February 19 tb, and grave fears are entertained for her safety. The colonieß of New Zealand, New South Wales, and Victoria have agreed to a reduction of the tariff for cable messages passing over their lines by one-half, but tbey consider tbat in that oase they are entitled to a substantial concession at the hands^of the Cable Co. Coin«nunications are being exchanged on the 6ub|ect, and a favourable issue to the negotiations is looked for. ALBANY, Joly 16. The s.s. PaTamatta, with London mails to June 12, arrived at Kiog George's Sjund last night. gyDNEV, Juj.y 16 1 The R.M.S. Zealandia sailed this afternoon for Auckliad, with tbe homeward 'Frisco mail. The s.p. Taupo left Newcastle to-day for New Zealand. The New South Wales Parliament meets for. the transaction of business on September 7th. The Premier has forwarded a telegram to the Agent-General for the colony, informing him that the' Federation Enabling 3*ll will' not be acceptable to New South Wajes if clause 31 be onjitted, and that even then it is questionable if the bill will be adopted if the clause is retained.