AUSTRALIAN.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 2713, 26 January 1892, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Press Association.—Copyright,) (by submarine cable.) ADELAIDE, Yesterday Mr M‘Phersoß, a Labor candidate, has been elected to represent the constituency of East Adelaide, which was rendered vacant by the resignation of Sir J. C. Bray on his being appointed AgentGeneral. An unusual amount of interest was taken in the contest, which was practically between labor and capital. LAUNCESTON, Yesterday During a fierce aquall the Union Steamship Company’s s s. Rotornahana grounded in the river Tamar, near Georgetown, bat is not iu a dangerous position. Au unsuccessful attempt was made to tow her off, and her cargo is being discharged. An immense bush fire threatened to annihilate the township of Dundas. A powder magazine caught fire and exploded, the building being demolished. A heavy rainfall saved the town at a critical time. BRISBANE, Yesterday Disastrous floods have occurred at Townsville, where 19£ inches of rain fell in 24 hours, and 24 inches in 48 hours. The water undermined the foundation of Saint Joseph’s Church*(Roman Catholic), and the building is now a complete wreck. The greater part of the town is under water. The suburbs.are cut off from communication with the centre of the town, and it is not known whether there are any fatalities. Hundreds of people having taken refuge on the hillsides. Rain is still falling. Two small vessels are ashore in the bay. MELBOURN E, Yesterday It is reported that Pygmalion is amiss. SYDNEY, Yesterday. The R.M.S. Mariposa, which left today for Auckland, took £6OOO worth of specie for San Francisco. The Hon. John Lackav succeeds the late Sir John Hay as president of the Legislative Council. The whole of the Newcastle coal mines are now working.