AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3896, 12 October 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[_Br Tklkgeaph.]

The mail steamer Australia from Sydnoy loft Sjdney on C ct. 7. STP_cr.gr. The inquiry into tho wreck of tho Susannah Godefroy waß concluded on Oct. 6. The Marino Board severely censured the Captain of the Government tug Ajax, for his contradictory evidence and for not proceeding to the assistance of the ship. The Board also blamed tho pilot, Melville, for his hesitation in proceeding with the lifo boat. Concerning the l_>ss of the ship, ifc wus attributable entirely to its unseaworthy condition, and total unfitness to meet tho ordinary dangers of the sea. At the Coroner's enquiry into the death of Eiwaids, tho jury were undecided, the evidence being most conflict irg. Advices from tbo Beaguiro goldfieldß am conflicting, but it has evidently boen proved fchat tho ground is altogether insufficient tosupport the number already thero. Reports of lich finds in particular claims at Tomora continue. The field, however, continues to languish for want of water, and a number are having, leing unable to hold out, bub their belief in the permanency of tho ultimate profitableness if tho gjldiicd continues. A crowded meeting held at tho Masonio Hall passed a resolution that fho action of the Supremo Court Judges in tho caeo of contempt on tho part of the Evening News was calculated seriously to endanger th liberties cf tho subject*, nl«o to open subscription listß for the reimbursement of the fine aud coßte, wa? a great success. Tho absenco of fche majority of tho leading citizens and tho city members occasioned much comment. Tho tuccesF of Laycock creatod great excitement in Sydney ;' Hags wero hoisted anil business suspondod. Tho Civil servants at a meeting demand three nionthb' notice.