AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 6560, 2 August 1887, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, July 31.

The latest news from China reports the steameT Benledi, was wrecked on June 18, while on a voyage from Swatow to Cheefoo. The passengers and crew had a narrow escape from drowning. Swarms of Chinese boatmen looted the carg-o, consisting of 4000 bags of sugar and sundries, as well as the wholo fittings and effects and attempted to sink the boats.

China is preparing- to seize Port Hamilton directly it is evacuated by England, and the Japanese will consider this a direct menace, being a breach of the treaty concluded between the two couu tries, under which each should refrain from sending troops to Coreau territory.

The pacificatiou of Tonquin is boing rapidly effected by the .trench, though the Black Flags continue to push their victories over Chinese troops.

Tlie Union Company's R.M.S. Martuoa anived fiom Auckland.

Cooktown, Au£. 1.

News is to hand from New Guinea that tho exploring- porty despatched by Special Commissioner Doug-las, have returned to Port Moresby. They readied the top of tbe main range between Mount Obree and Mount Brown, and report a magnificent country exists on the other aide. The natives all along the coast are quiet. Roman Catholic missionaries at Yule Isiand are making good progress in the land discovered at New River, and which 19 exceedingly fertile. The country is thickly populated, some villages being of great size.

Melbourne, August ] .

The Austrian barque Ganges, which went ashore off Point Lonsdale, on the 24th ult., is uovv breaking up and abandoned to tbe underwriters.

Several Melbourne experts who examined the jewels brought to Adelaide alleged to have been found on the north-east border of South Australia deny they are rubie3 but consider them garnets.

The following hor?e9 have been scratched for the Melbourne Cup: — Master John, Metal, Salvo, Krupp, Rosamond, Enfield, Wentworth, Abuse, Sheet Anchor, Physician, David, Mana, Louise, Pastoral, Grace Darling Elti, Empress, Fernandez, Stark, Little John, The Pencil.