AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 700, 20 August 1870, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

Bltjtf, Aug. 19. The Claude Hamilton, Capt. Underwood, arrived from Melbourne at 7 o'clock this morning. Left Hobson's Bay at 6 p.m. on Aug. 13, passed Port Phillip Heads at 9 p.m., Cape Scbanck at 11 p. m, and Swan Island at 5. 30 p.m. next day. Experienced fine weather during the passage. Made S.W. Cape at 8.30 a.m on Aug. 18, and arrived at Bluff as above. Passengers — For Dunedin — Messrs Pringle, Adams, Jago, Gribble, Mr and Mrs Haggett, Mr and Mrs Wright and family, Miss Ross, Miss Forrest, Misß Robertson, and 60 in the steerage. For Lyttelton — Mr Reece, and 6. in the steerage ; 14 saloon passengers for other ports. Melbotjenk, Aug. 13. After the arrival of the Rangitoto on Aug. 12, the Government issued an announcement to the effect that no mails would be made up here for the Californian route, in consequence of the New Zealand Government having refused to accept the terms offered by the Government of Yictoria. This announcement causes general dissatisfaction, and will lead to correspondence being smuggled via Sydney. Heavy gales, with rain, occurred on Aug. 6. The vessel mentioned in last sum-, mary, as being outside the Heads dismasted, proved to be the Rene from Cherente. There has been a fall of snow at Bailarat and Wood's Point, and the weather is cold. An extensively planned forgery of £5 notes of the Bank of New South Wales, Albury branch, has been discovered at Benalla. Two men named Smith and Dante have been arrested ahd a printing plant seized. Smith had passed six notes. Dante had been lately released from Pentridge, after serving a twelve years' sentence for forgery. A boat with four men in it was capsized on Lake Cooper on Aug. 9. Three of the men were drowned ; the fourth was saved. James Webb, an old colonist, expired suddenly on Aug. 9. The New Town Hall was opened on Aug. 9 with a grand concert. Over four thousand people were present. The cantata " Euterpe," a colonial production by Mr Horsley, composed

the first part of , the programme. It was greatly eulogised. Mr Hugh Glass is dangerously ill. Fifty-six horses have accepted for the Melbourne Cup. Manuka is becoming a great favourite. Great floods are reported from Wentwortb. The town is threatened. Frederick Cope is committed for trial on a charge of embezzling Government money. The Government have suspended, with a view to dismissing, Mr Christopherson, chief engineer of the Malmsbury reservoir j also his two assistants, Shakspere and Woods. Frederick Brown pleaded guilty of forgery at Geelong. -He had been one of Burnett's converts. The Mayor's Grand Fancy Ball took place in the New Town Hall on Aug. 11. Three thousand persons were present, and the ball was a gorgeous affair. The citizens intend to give a return ball. Phillip Barry, a reporter, aged 40, well-known to the Press generally, has committed suicide. The festivities in connection with the opening of the new Town Hall conclude to-night (Aug. 13) with a grand concert, during which five hundred performers will give the " Stabat Mater " and other selections. The musical profession tried to get Horsley's cantata repeated on Aug. 12, but the Mayor said it was too late to interfere with the arrangements that had been made for the opening of the Town Hall. The steamer Macedon, from Liverpool, has just arrived under canvas. The Boyal Mail steamer Malta is off Cape Scbanck, and sails for Galle tomorrow (Aug. 14.) The weather, with occasional sunshine, has generally continued wet throughout the week, and fears are entertained for the crops. Flour and wheat continue firm, in consequence of the weather, but prices have not materially advanced. Flour is selling at £12 5s to £12 15s, and wheat at 5s 7d to 6s. Sugars are not so firm, owing to Mauritius advices reporting large exports thence to the Australian colonies. Stdnet, Aug. 12. Parliament has met, and the Government have had a narrow escape. An amendment on the address in reply to the Governor's speech was moved by Sir James Martin. It was negatived by a majority of two votes only. The Governor's speech promises the abolition of ad valorem duties, and loans for public works. The protectionists have held a large meeting, and have resolved to petition Parliament against free trade. From Brisbane, it is reported that Mr M'Alister, leader of the Opposition in Queensland, has been reelected. . [The Queensland Parliament was recently dissolved, on the defeat of the Government then in office.] Adelaide, Aug. 12. Mr Bagot, Chief Secretary in the late Ministry, died suddenly. His funeral was largely attended. The Tom Thumb troupe are drawing large houses. Forrest, the explorer, has arrived overland from Perth (Western Australia), having passed through much good grass country. He reports no permanent water, except at one spot, where Eyre had found it. Official returns show that the total amount of land sold in the colony is 4,000,000 acres, at an average price of 25s an acre. Hobabt Towk, Aug. 12. The remainder of the Imperial troops will embark for England on Aug. 17. The Governor made an official inspection, and addressed them. He hoped the departure of the red coats would not loosen the ties between the mother country and her colonies.