LATEST FROM AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 251, 3 March 1869, Page 2

LATEST FROM AUSTRALIA.

• Bltjfp, March 2, 7.50 p.m. The Gothenburg left Melbourne at' 3.40 p.tn on Feb. 25 ; encountered strong head winds ; passed the Solan- ' dera at noon to day, and arrived at the y Bluff at 7 p.m. The Gothenburg ' brings 390 tons of cargo, 25 cabin and-.;. 61 steerage, for air ports. She will leave the Bluff at 4 p.m. on March 3, The passengers for Canterbury are Messrs Dymock, Aaron s, Mrs.Dytnock; one in steerage, and fifty-four tons of cargo/ ' ■'.',■■ . ."' "■' \'"' : \ MELBbuEjftb,' Feb.^S, ',>■.,% The Prince, arrived .. on Monday , evening, and proceeded direct ... to 1 Toorak in the Governor's carriage. His declared wish is that his visit- must^ not be considered public. The Prince ?, entertained the Governor and suite at' r the Melbourne Club on Tuesday ,'the invitations numbering over a hufldred;"'A grand ball is to be given by T> the" 1 Mayor to-night;. eighteen hundred are invited. The Prince leaves on March 8, for' Sydney, to arrive there' dti the' 12th ; he is inexcellent health, and; jp; :; enjoying himself immensely. ; as i pri- J vate. gentle man, s ; :r .>&, ,;../,' The Treasurer opened his : budget for---the year on Tuesday, The statement, was highly satisfactory*,".* .Th^V^'a^ce from last year is £47,0jtfy:tbereirenchments for the present " year save £150,000 in salaries and contingencies. The revenue "is fully equal to all demands, without fresh taxation. The payment of members was introduced by Mr Duffy, with the support of ;the ; Government — Estimated cost, £so,ooo. English advices report that the Tasmanian Electric Cable is being shipped. ' There was a large bush fire in the Western district, with destruction of cattle, sheep, and fencing. Conrodi, a stevedore, his two sonß, and two men were drowned in Hobson ( Bay in the Clutha, which capsized during a squall. < Heavy weather has been experienced ■ ■ '• i along the coast.' ■ : Commeboiaii.— Flour is dull-— -£l2 i to £12 10s. Wheat is scarce at 5s pd. Oats are 4s 3d. Sugars are looking j up. Tea is quiet. • ..• Sydney, Feb.' 24., ! Another want of confidence motion i is threatened in the Assembly. ' ' J Great preparations are being made for the reception of the Prince. Greville, Bank Manager at Forbes, has been convicted of embezzlement. In a collision between the Fire King, steamer, and the barque Mary Miller for china, nine people were in- i jured. : Knighthood is to be conferred on Mr James Martin, the late Premier, and Terence Murray, Charles Cooper, and J. B. Darling. , Adelaide, Feb. 24 v .» the opening ceremony of the Strathalbyn Railway, the ; Governor , officiated. At the Lunch, ' Colonel Higgins used strong language in re- ' plying for the Volunteers. The Governor aiterwards dismissed his Volunteer escort. , , . , ..>,.: Flour is dull at £11 5s to £12 ss.