AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4345, 28 March 1882, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tbikgbajh.j

(Per s.B. City of Sydney, via Auckland.)

MELBOUBNE DEFENCE WOBKB.

UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF THE MELBOURNE HOSPITAL. SUFFEBEBS FBOM THE DBOUGHT. Sydney, March 23. Colonel Boberts, the commandant of the local forces, has been granted leave on the ground of ill health ; Colonel Christie succeeds him.

At a meeting in the Temperance Hall, on March 22, of which Major Harris was Chairman, a resolution of sympathy with Haynes and Arohibald, who were imprisoned for the coßts of the libel aotion against the proprietors of the Bulletin, was passed. £90 were subscribed.

The Assisting-Secretary of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce has again written to the Sydney Chamber, urging a renewal of the agitation for a modification in the Hew Zealand cable rates.

A number of splendid entries of cattle have already been received for the forthcoming agricultural show.

At the inquiry into the Oainden tramway accident, the driver of the motor waa disrated to the position of fireman for six months.

The Melbourne Government continue to push forward the colonial defence works, which it is stated are connected with the recent visit of the Bussian fleet. Two gunboats have been ordered, besides a new armament. The total cost of the present defence works will be £150,000.

Two more men haying died at the Melbourne Hospital from erysipelas, the juries requested the Coroner to bring the condition of the Hospital under the notice of the Government.

The eight hours system will be adopted by the Railway department from April 21.

The English cricketers sailed by the Ohimborazo on the 21st, amidst great cheering. The Netherlands Consul announces that the projected Exhibition will be held in Amsterdam.

At the inquest into the origin of the recent fire at Marshall's warehouse, Adelaide, is being continued, but the origin of the fire is still undiscovered.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands intends asking Government to Bink reservoirs and dam.3 in the northern districts, where the drought has been severely felt. Subscription lists have been opened on behalf of selectors who are suffering from the continuance of the drought.