AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 706, 27 August 1870, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

Hokitika, Aug. 26, 1 1 a.m. The Eangitoto arrived last evening from Melbourne, after passage of five days, and was tendered this morning. Melbourne, Aug. 20. The Gothenburg arrived from New Zealand ports yesterday. Andrew Vair was executed at Ararat on August 15, for the murder of Oheale. In reply to a deputation from Portland, Sir James M'Culloeh (Chief Secretary) stated that the Government could not sanction a railway thence to Hamilton, as they were already pledged to extend existing lines to the westward. He also said that he would oppose any further loans for railways. Walter Craig, of Ballarat, a wellknown sportsman, died on August 16. The Benalla forgers are committed for trial. At the Inter-colonial Wine Exhibition, Geelong takes five prizes; Sandhurst, five ; Castlemaine, three ; South Australia, three; and Sydney, three. Victoria had 153 entries, Adelaide 44, and Sydney 28. The Polynesia Company have decided to send Dr Macartney, M.L.A., and Mr Pierce J. Williams as a committee to act with Mr Butters in arranging matters at Fiji. The Commissioner of Customs, in reply to a deputation of brewers, said he would favourably consider the proposal to distil vinegar from waste beer. Dr Motherwell writes to the Argus to say that the rumour about Mr W. J. T. Clarke's mind being affected is incorrect. He only suffers from bodily weakness. A thunderstorm was experienced throughout the colony generally on August 17; the hailstones were like marbles. A boy was killed at Sandhurst, and the picture of a young tree near which he stood was photographed on his chest. A new sheepwash was tried successfully on August 18. It cleanses wool in two minutes without rubbing.

Mr Justice Forbes has decided that a certificated insolvent cannot sue for damages sustained prior to getting his certificate. The Agamemnon arrived from London on Aug. 19. after a passage of 71 days. The doctor died on the previous day; his body has been brought on shore for inquest. The Imperial troops from Adelaide, Hobart Town, and Victoria embarked to-day (Aug. 20) on board the Corona, which sails forthwith. Edwin Sleight, a son of Sleight the undertaker, has been killed by a horse bolting. Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood, and Co. have despatched the Omeo to Adelaide, and thence to Port Darwin. The Alhambra proceeds to Fiji on Tuesday, Aug. 23, well filled. In commercial matters scarcely any change has taken place during the week. Flour is quoted at £12 5s to £12 15s, and wheat at 5s 7d to 5a 9d. Oats have been a trine easier, but they appear to be more in request at 3s 5d to 3s 7d. Sydney, Aug. 19. Mr Robertson has accepted the office of Minister of Lands. The first locomotive made in the colony under Government contract started running on Aug. 13. The Legislative Assembly has voted £250,000 for public workß, £17,000 being to improve the navigation of the Murray, Darling, and Murrumbidgee. The Bill to abolish capital punishment has been read a first time. Adelaide, Aug. 19. Heavy rainß have fallen during the week, and much damage has been done Major O'Halloran, an old colonist, is dead. The Treasurer expects that there will be a deficit of £150,000. He proposes to meet this by a temporary loan. Hobabt Town, Aug. 19. There have been heavy snow storms and floods throughout the colony. Mrs Butler, widow of an old colonist, is dead. Brisbane, Aug. 20. The elections are now favouring the Opposition. The construction of the telegraph line to Carpentaria is temporarily suspended.