AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3380, 7 February 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

[special.]

MELBOURNE, Feb. 6.

Sir B. O'Loughlin, acting Premier, stated in a speech yesterday, that he hoped the Prince of Wales would open the Melbourne Exhibition. The work of clearing fche site lias commenced.

Dr Crooke's illness is the result of intemperance, and is not suicidal. He took an overdose of chloral and morphia, and is now out of danger.

Terrible firco are ragiug in Gippslaud,- Cape Ofcway, Ballamfc, and Sandhurst districts. Immense damage has been done. The whole town was wifch difficulty saved. Melbourne is enveloped in dense smoke like thafc on Black Thursday. The heat; is intense.

SYDNEY, Feb. 6.

Applications for space afc the Exhibition arc pouring in on all sides. The space applied for by other Colonies far exceeds fche amount available.

A blackfcllow, recently outlawed for minder, was shot, down by fche Glen Innis police.

Patrick Jennings has presented £1000 to the Sydney University Organ Fund.

The Hon Mr de Salis has given notice of motion in the Council in favour of- bounties of £5000 to encourage fche exportation of wheat and meat.

BRISBANE, Feb. G.

George Stephens perished' of thirst in the scrub afc Warago. His mate was saved by a passing traveller, affcer suffering terribly. He even tried fco alleviate his thirst by sucking packets of Epsom salts.

ADELAIDE, Feb. 6.

_fc Moonta there is a further reduction, owing fco the copper depression. Afc Ropunda work has been susponded.

Wheat is dull, and falling. The sotfclers aro unable to sell. Country flour sold at £10 6s per ton.