AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4898, 14 January 1884, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per Press Association.] {Per s.s. Woihora, viA the Bluff.) STEAMER ON FIRE. THE FRENCH ESCAPEES. A NEW MILITIA FORCE. Sydney, Jan. 8. The losses by the recent fire at Walgett are estimated at .£6OOO, of which .£IOOO ia an the National Marine of New Zealand. It is understood that it ia intended to put the five escapees on board the French -warship Cher. Meanwhile the prisoners are detained at Darlinghurst. The steamer Tomki, which left for Richsnond river on the evening bf the 2nd, was found to be on fire after leaving the Heads. The crew fortunately succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but the cargo was muoh -damaged by fire and water. Queensland. The revenue returns for the quarter show an increase of nearly .£150,000 as oompared with the previoua year/ The -Customs had inoreased by £85,000, the land revenue £53,000, and the railway revenue £35,000. In the New South Wales revenue re"turns the principal feature ia the large de--arease in land revenue, in consequence of the reduotion of sales, the falling off amounting to £326,970,,. Otherwise the returns are fairly satisfactory. Melbourne. The negotiations between Victoria and Tffew South Wales upon the question of a -aniform rate of postage are not yet coneluded. It is understood that further communications will pasa between the two Governments. The German Government replied to Mr Graham Berry'a letter in reference to the admission of the Colonieß to the Postal Union to the effect that Germany cannot recognise the right of Colonieß to Beparate representation j and suggesting that a final settlement Bhould be deferred until the next meeting of the Convention. Orders have now been given for a gradual disbandment of the volunteer force, with a iriew to the formation of a new militia force. Earl Roßebery is now on a visit to Tasmania, but returns to Melbourne this •week. He will afterwards * visit South Australia.