AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3284, 7 April 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

J (By Telegram.) (Per steamer at the Bluff.) Melbourne, March 31. The Government during last week received warnings of the movements of Russian cruisers. Mr Service has been furnished with a telegram from Singapore stating several ) Russian cruisers left that port for the north* wards on Friday. He also received a telegram from the same place advising _ the Government to look out for the Bussian ironclad General Admiral, which was at the Cape. The information was sent m cypher to all the other Australian colonies. In accord--1 ance with this newa it lias been though',, adrieoblo to take every precaution for ' u ho defence of Port Philip harbor. Enquiries 1 are now being made with a view to arioertain- ' ing the source of the messages fvoin Singa- ' pore. ■ SxdKbt, Maroh 31. J At the Argylo nomination on Friday, Sir Henry Parkes strongly denounced the Government and offered himself to the electors as an opponent of the present Administration. He believed they had done more 1 injury than suooeeding Ministries could 1 undo m four years. 1 The Aoting Secretary has received a tele» p gram stating the troop ship Australasian reached Aden safely yesterday. Captain Bridge, of H.M.S. Espiegle, received a telegram on Sunday containing secret orders, and the ship has been directed to prepare for sea immediately. Her destination is unknown. The Blue Peter was at once hoisted, and preparations immediately carried on for her speedy departure. It is rumored the Government proposes organising a militia force m case of an outbreak of hostilities. A Cabinet meeting was hold yesterday, whon the question of making an arrangement for the defenoe of Sydney, Newcastle »nd Botany Bay came under consideration. ' All works, that can now be effected will be completed within fourteen days. The channels at all ports accessible to the enemy will be protected by torpedoes, The powder hulki now »t Broken. Bay and Middle Harbor

aye under orders to bo towed to a place of safety at any moment; Adelaide, March 31. The Acting Secretary states every necessary precaution is being taken by the Government for the defence of the colony m the event of war. Communications have been exchanged with the Governments of the other colonies on the subject of receiving advice from Admiral Tyron for the protection of the cable at Port Darwin. As every man-of-war carries appliances for raising cables, it is thought the Imperial Government will, m case of war, order one or two vessels to cruiee m the neighborhood.