AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3287, 10 April 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.) (Per B.s. Botomahana at Auckland.) BrDNBr, April 1. Very active defence preparations have been made. The land force has been doubled, and measures have been taken to lay do wn torpcdoea m the harbor at Botany and New-., castle. If necessary the ranks of the contingent m the Soudan will be filled up. Ministers have adopted energetic measures, and have had the advice of General Scratehley and Captain Acland. The Patriotic Fund is being gradually increased. For Argyle air Harry Paries was only elected by a majority of 4! owr John Geston. Sir Henry Parkes received the Orange and teetotal vctes. . The Beach-Hsnlan excitement is subsiding. About £1600 has already been subscribed for the champion, and £1000 for Hanlan, who leaves by the next San Francisco mail. Beach is now taking a spell. He will not row anywhere excepting on the Parramatta River. The crowd at the race was very dense, and some accidents happened, but none of any serious consequence. : At the Fernhill stud sale yesterday some good prices were obtained. The highest for yearlings was 650 guineas for the chestnut colt by Grand Flaneur — Lady Chester. Darebin was passed m at £1600. He is said to be sold to a Queensland buyer for that figure. The total of the sale was over 11,000 ■ guineas. The weather continues to be fine and dry. " Beisbahb. No reply has yet been received from Mr Garrick, Agent-General, of the offer of the vacant Supreme Court judgeehip. Some f ears are entertained for the safety of the new Government steamer Lucendiv, which left Buez seven weeks ago and has not yet been reported. The Customs revenue continues to show an increase. Melbourne. : The death is announced of Mr J. M. Grant, who played a prominent part m Victan&n. politics for many year*. The quarter's revenue shows an lporease Of £40,000 oyer the corresponding period of last year. The Shipowners' Association are protesting against the stringent regulations framod by Government for the defence of the port, and say it will entail much hardship and expense. Now that the scare is somewhat subsided » modification will be made.