AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5550, 23 February 1886, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per s.s. Arawata, via Auckland.) [Phb Press Association.] NEW SOUTH WALKS POLITICS. THE BURNING COAL MINE. NEW ZEALAND FISH. A DANGEROUS FIRE. CLAIMS UNDER A SPECIAL ACT. Stdkky, Feb. 18. The division which took place on $&r Gavan's motion on Tuesday night, w«s somewhat unexpected, as it was understood that only Sir Honry Parkeß intended speaking, and thirteen members worn absent. Several of those were pronounced opponents of tho Government. Yesterday, on the House meeting, the Premier said he had made a communication to the Governor; but although strongly pressed h« declined to state the nature of it. Sir Henry Parkep then submitted v motion for an address to tho Governor, expressing the opinion of the Hohho that any advice tendered at the present time to the Crown for tho purpose of procuring a dissolution, would bo unjustifiably and dcBerving of censure. From remarks made by Sir Patrick I Jennings and souio other nioiubure, there , seems to be a chance of a coalition being [ formed.J

The Lithgow Valley Colliery is still j burning, and all effortsto reach the fire have proved unavailing. The ventilation of the mine 1b now being closed. The funerals of the deceased men were largely attended, and subscriptions are being rained for their families. The Mutual Provident Society are opening an office in London. Mr Black, the Actuary, has already proceeded Home, and Mr E. Teece proceeds in April to take charge of the London branch. The New Zealand fish which arrived by the laßt steamer was at first regarded with suspicion by buyers on account of its being of an unusual brown colour, but when it was shown that this resulted from the effects of tho ice the fish were rapidly bought up. Tho schnapperß averaged from 18s to 21s per dozen ; flounders, 2s to Bs. The fire at Holdsworth. and M'Pherson's, ironmongers, will be a total loss. The Commercial Union lose JEBOOO. There were 2501 b of gunpowder stored on the premises, and three successive explosions took place. Lord Carrington is still very active in visiting all the public institutions. On Saturday he presented the Soudan medals to the Contingent. There was something like a military display on the occasion. Brisbane. Tho Governor has been granted eight months' leave of absence from the Colony. He sails for England, via San Franciso, in April next. The Court for adjudicating claims under tho Pacific Islanders labour (Compensation Act) ia sitting. Mr James M'Kenzie, of Seaforth Station, Low-bird Hill, claims £4071 in respect of fifty returned islanders. Simpton, chief officer, and Swanson, boatswain of the City of Melbourne, were arrested on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of the girl Marion Williamson. Melbourne. In the libel action Quariie against the proprietors of the Geelong News, the plaintiff received a farthing damages. Quarrie is editor of the Advertiser. _ The Corporation labourers' strike has been brought to an ond. The contractors agreed to the men's terms. Mrs Hampson, charged with the murder of her daughter at Coburg, was brought up and further remanded.