NEW SOUTH WALES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3950, 15 December 1880, Page 3

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, Dec. 9. It is understood that the Mayor has instructed the City Engineer to sink pipes through the sand in the estuary to ascertain tho depth of the water beneath the surface, as he fears from the drought a short Bupply of water. The divorce case, Dibbs versus Dibbs and Blair, was concluded on Tuesday, and the jury discharged without agreement. H.M.S. Emerald, under orders from the Commodore, proceeded to Florida Islands yesterday. She takes an interpreter to demand the murderer of Mr Bower. Beyond this nothing has transpired of the movement of the vessel. A Cabinet Council was yeld yesterday, all ministers being present. It is rumoured that proposals for ministerial changes were under consideration ; also, the question of appointments to the Upper House. Lewis commenced puddling on Tuesday from his own . claim at Lower Temora j 30 loads gave 50ozs 13dwts, inclusive of nuggets weighing over 13ozs. Several others weighing up to Sfozs per load were picked out of the wash dirt, which raised the actual result to 2ozs per load. At an inquest at Bathurst, refering to the dead body of a woman, name unknown, found in a wheat paddock, the Coroner gave it as his decided opinion that the woman bad been strangled and ravished. Articles were found to-day by which the police hope to obtain a clue to the guilty parties. The ground in the vicinUy gives evidence that a struggle occurred ; portions of torn clothing and an umbrella were lying near, smashed to pieces.