LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 314, 17 May 1869, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

The Bluff, May 16, 10 a.m. The Umeo left Hobson's Bay at 2 p.m. on the Bth, clearing the Heads at sis the same evening. Encountered brisk easterly gales in Bass' Straits, which continued without intermissiou until the 15th, when ifc moderated, and S.W. winds prevailed. Arrived at the Bluff at 9.50 a.m. on the 16th ; leaves at 4 p.m. for Dunedin. Brings 14 saloon, 35 steerage passengers, aud 300 tons cargo tor all ports. Melbourne, May 8. The Age comments on the increase if street beggars. The Argxis and Age concur iv congratulating the Government on the course adopted with reference to the privileges ot the Assembly. The Great Britain has sailed for England with 600 passengers. Mr Butters has been re-elected for Portland. The names of Messrs Glass, Quarterman, aud Butters, have been erased from the Magistrates' roll. The Presbyterian Assembly sat last week and discussed the education question. They condemned the secular system. Mr Quarter man was released from gaol on applying to the Judge. No opposition was offered by the Government. Mr M'Culloch moved for a Select

Committee to inquire into the action of the Supreme Court in releasing Mr Glass. The motion was carried. Mr Efctershank and others are ordered to appear at the Assembly bar next Wednesday. Lucy Carter, a concert singer, has committed suicide at Chiltern, by taking an over-dose of laudanum. A prostitute, named Lynch, was found murdered on Wednesday morning near the Military Barracks, at Prince's Bridge. She had been strangled. She clutched a quantity of red hair in her hand. Two men are in custody, one her husband, and ano _er an acquaintance. Dogrei has been acquitted on the charge of murdering his wife at Kew. A monument has been erected to the memory of Angus McMillan, the discoverer of Ghpps Land, at Sale. The result of the Ballarat election is doubtful. M n Vale's position has improved. Ministers have written letters in his favour. Jones' supporters have bought a newspaper to support their candidate. There will be a keen and violent contest. Captain George Pryde, coal merchant, has been arrested for inducr Morton Moss, by false pretences, co accept a bill for £300. Ifc has been aunounced that a new bank is about to be formed in Melbourne, with a capital of £1,000,000. The colonies subscribe one-third, Great Britain finding the remainder. The tender of Mr John Wood for the Prince Alfred Hospital has been accepted— £ls,996. Flour is nominal at £13 to £13 10s. Transactions are confined to the trade. Wheat is firm at; 5s lOd to 6s. Speculation in kerosine continues at full rates. Maize is receding ; sales are reported at 4s 6d. There have been large arrivals of Patna rice ; £23 was accepted for three parcels of 50 tons. Oats aye neglected. Barley is in request at 4s. Butter and cheese are very firm. Sydney, May 7. Mr Andrews has defeated Mr Josephson, the Patriotic Association's candidate, by a large majority. Heavy rains fell yesterday; the weather is still stormy, The conference of Delegates, in reference to a Customs Union in the Australian Colonies, finished their discussion to-day. The report will be considered to-morrow. It is understood that they were unanimously in favour of an inter-colonial union. The result is considered satisfactory. The Crown Jury has returned a verdict of wilful murder against some persons unknown ia the case of Cardoza, who was found poisoned. A public dinner will be given to the members of the Customs Conference on Tuesday next. Large entries have been in ide for next year's Derby and Champagne Stakes. The Government has given a donation of £50 towards the erection of Cook's statue. The Moonta mine has declared a dividend of £5 per share. The Kaikoura sails for London on May 15. The ship Western Empire has been sold for £2470. Trade .is slow — incize is dull aud quoted at 3s 2d to 3a 6d. Adelaide wheat is quoted at 5s 2d. Adelaide, May 7. A general meeting of the Ritualistic members of the Church of England has been called for Friday evening. The racing match between Mr Aldcock's Corsair and Mr Gleeson's Bolero came off yesterday, and resulted in an easy victory for the latter. The new prison regulations have been gazetted, and are considered very strict. The weather is fine. A panic has taken place in the Almanda silver raining shares, on account of copper being found in the iugots. Shares have fallen as low as 3.75, and are still declining. The corn market is firm, and has an upward tendency. Sales of wheat are reported at ss ; town brands of flour are quoted at £13. Bhtsbane, May 7. Parliament was re-opened yesterday. The Governor's speech, among other matters, promises legislation on the Polynesian labour question. Pearson, a bushranger, has been sentenced to death for shooting Constable McCabe in a recent encounter.

Hobaet Town, May 7. The wheat market shows more an uiation, consequent on advices fro Adelaide. Quotations are from 4s 9 to sa, with an upward tendency. Oa are quoted from 3s to 3s 9d. As bi« as 43 was given for a very fine samp] Hay is quoted at from £5 to £5 1C Good, fresh butter is quoted at fro la 2d to Is 3d per lb. ; potted, from 1( to Is j bacon, 5d to 7d; hams, 7d lOd ; cheese, 5d to lOd, according quality.