AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 7298, 19 January 1889, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

be issued on Wednesday and made returnable in 35 days. Owing to a clause recently introduced in the Electoral Act one hundred and thirty-seven members will be elected in the new Parliament instead of the present number, one hundred and twenty-four. There are already a large number of candidates in the field; Melbourne, Jan. 18. The following awards were made by the Exhibition jurors for silversmith's work and jewellery ; — S, Kohn (Wellington), first ; Danneford & Co. (Auckland), second. Fine Arta Department—Mrs Bowan, Miss Kate E. Sperry (Wellington), the late John Gully (Nelson), firsts ; Miss Kate E. Sperry (Wellington), Jenny Wimperis fDunedin), J, Peele (Aoaberley), A. H. Gear (Christchurcb), T. H. Drummond (Auckland) seconds; Isabella Hodgkins (Dunedin), E. Chapman, R. Budden (Christchurch), Miss Sperry (Wellington), R. Atkieson (Auckland), W. M. Gibb (Christchurch), Miss T. E. Richardson (Wellington), Miss Isabel Hodgkins (Dunedin), Francis Mary Wimperis (Dunedin), T, H. Drummond (Auckland), R. Beetham (Christchurch), A. H. Gear (Christchurch), thirds j V. Watkins, J. Gaut, (Wellington), B. A. Branfil (Nelson), fourths. In etching, J. L. Steele (Auckland), second. The jurors were greatly interested in the varied display of works of art from New Zealand. They gave expression to a deep regret they felt at the lose art suffered in New Zealand in the death of the late John Gully.

Stdney, Jan. 18 Unless rain falls immediately, thous sands of head of stock will perish in the Waretado district. Mr TVopeny, Executive Commissioner, Dunedin Exhibition, is visiting New South Wajes in fhe interests of the Exhibition, but owing to the political crisis ha 3 practically done nothing. He had an interview with Sir Henry Parkes, who expressed himself favorable to the Exhibition and the representation of New South Wales thereat, but in the present circumstances Sir Henry regretted that he was unable to promise any assistance in forwarding the object in view. Mr Twopeny also waited on Mr Dibbs immediately the new Cabinet was sworn in, but the Premier's time was too much pressed by political business to allow of his entertaining the subject at present. He suggested that Mr Twopeny should in» terview him again in a fortnight when he would be better able to deal with the matter. Among others, Mr Montefiore one of the Trustees of the National Art gallery has been nterviewed by Mr Twopeny and has promised his hearty coaoperation. He thinks a good loau collection of pictures can be obtained in Australia for the Exhibition at Dunedin. Mr Twopeny has made full enquiry into the Working Women's Industrial Exhibition recently held here, and has seen the Governor and the leading politicians and laid before them the advantages that would acorue from the extension of commerce between the colonies. Lord Carrington cordially promised his assistance. Mr Twopeny left for Melbourne. Melbourne, Jau. 18. Yesterday at a luncheon given in the Exhibition buildings by Sir J. M'Bain, President, Mr Coppin, Commissioner for the United States, said America was striving to preserve the auionoray of Samoa, but the Australian Colonies remained silent. He thought it would be a most deplorable thing if the in« dependence of Samoa were sacrificed to the give and take policy of the European statesmen. Mr Coppin's remarks were warmly applauded, and Herr Worinustb, Geiman Commissioner, became irritated and left the room. He coniends it was a breach of etiquette to laiee the question ot foreign policy at an international exhibition. Brisbane, Jan. 1 8. Distres-siug accounts are coming to hand from Darling Downs and the interior of the South West. Cows are stated to be dying off, and water is dis« appearing. The heat is excessive, (Received Jan. 19, 1.20 a.m.) j Sydney, Jan, 18. j A proclamation dissolving Parliament will be gazetted on Monday ; writs to '