AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3508, 26 December 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.] (Per s.s. Tekapo at Wellington.) Sydney, Dec. 18. Contrary to general expectations, Mr Dibbs' Government resigned office on Wednesday. Tbe announcement was made by the Premier at a meeting of the House, and he added that he had recommended the Governor to send for Sir John Robertson. That gentleman said he did not want omce, and would endeavor to shift tbe responeibility on stronger shoulders, but at tbe tame time he would do his duty. Sir John Robertson had an interview with the Governor, and it is understood he is to endeavor to form a Cabinet, but it is probable he will not succeed. The weather has continued very hot. The temporary water supply is not yet m operation. j The Governor and Lady Carn'ngton are making themselves very popular. They have already made several public appearances. They have expressed themselves as much pleased with the place. The Alameda arrived from Auckland m three days fifteen hours. Sir Peter Scratchley was insured m the Mutual Provident Society for £7500. A theatre called the Bijou is about to be ; erected at Sydney at a cost of £23,000. The objects brought by the New Guinea expedition will shortly be exhibited m the Art Gallery. A report of the Water Commission bas been laid on the table of the House. It is a lengthy document. It is said to possess most important features. Typhoid fever is very prevalent m the city. MELBOtTBSE. It is said Mr Kerferd is to be raised to the Bench after the meeting of the Federal Council, and Mr Wrixon is to become At-torney-General. Mr Service has stated that owing to the additional estimates the surplus balance at the end of the year would only be £1972 instead of £50,000. HOBABT. Mr G. A. Sola is not drawing such large audiences as he expected. Brisbane. All the ship's company aboard the Dorunda are well. A large number of passengers have got the diarrhoea and several deaths have occurred. Tbe vessel is strictly kopt m quarantine. Sir John Coode has sailed for London. The Government have dispensed with the services of Mr Clarke, colonial architect.