LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 284, 12 April 1869, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

♦ [by electbic telegbaph.] "We " borrow " the following from the Press of this morning : — Mklboubne, April 3. Commercial — Business inactive. Flour, £13 158 to £14 5s ; wheat, 53 lid to 6s Id ; supplies come in slowly. Maize dull, at 49 sd. Sugars are in good request for trade purposes. Devoe's kerosene, 2s l£d. Woolpacks, 3s 9d. A large sale of Hennessy's case at 275. .Constable Flannagan wa9 executed in Melbourne on Thursday, having been convicted of the murder of Trooper Hull at Hamilton. He made no confession. The electors of Ballarat West have re quested Mr Vale to resign for opposing Mr Joneß'e return. Mr Jones has been returned for Ballarat by a large majority. VFriday, the 2nd April, was observed as a day of humiliation and prayer for rain. Previously rain fell very generally, and the drought is now broken up. The Fine Art Exhibition has been opened. There is a large number of exhibits, but a small number of visitors. YCobb's new omnibus movement is a great success. Hugo Levinger's trial, for murdering three Polynesians, is fixed to take place at Melbourne. Mr Calvert, the engraver, has been fined £10 for supplying counterfeit trade marks for Hennesay'a brandy. No fresh cases of small-pox have occurred. The police force has been vaccinated. The annual commencement of the University takes place to-day. Gasworks won the Australian Cup at Sydney. Theatricals took place on board the Galatea on Monday evening. The play " Still Waters run Deep 4 " was performed.

Rutherford, the bushranger, has been cap" tured near Bathurst. The barque Felix Bernardo, for Hong Kong, put back leaky. A three mile race between crews picked from the Challenger and Galatea was won by the former. At the Hombebush St Leger the Earl came in first, Avalanche second, and Sailor Boy third. The Gnlatea is ready for sea, and was to get under weigh on Sunday, the 4th. The ship Britomart was spoken 36 days out from Melbourne, all well. The Carandinis' benefit concerts were largely attended ; his Royal Highness was present. Ad laide. Mr Hughes' defalcations are now known to exceed the sum originally stated very greatly. Subscriptions to the Bushman's Home are now coming in fast. The corn market is quiet. Sales at 5s 6d. The early closing movement is progressing. The drapers have agreed to shut up at six o'clock. A detachment of the 50th Regiment sailed for England in the Himalaya.