LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 641, 5 April 1870, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, March 24. Government is negotiating with an agent for an English capitalist, with a view to forming railway lines for six thousand pounds per mile, and guarantees six per cent interest for thirty years. William Davis, convicted on a charge of murdering his wife at Trentham, has been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment ; Adolph Johnson, convicted on a charge of shooting at a policeman in Eitzroy Gardens, to seven years ; and Mark Gowan, for rape, to seven years. The 14th Eegiment sailed in the "Walmer Castle. Draper has been committed for trial on a fresh charge of embezzling £1990 12s lOd. Captain Payne has been appointed Chief Harbor Master. Public opinion strongly opposes the appointment. The authorities have decided to hold a volunteer encampment at Sunbury during the Easter holidays. One hundred and fifty men have struck work at the Alfred Graving Dock, Williamstown, demanding the eight hours' system. Detective Carter has been killed by coming into collision with a cab shaft while running a race. A diver, named John Christian, has been drowned while at work on the wreck of the Eliza. Payable gold has been struck at Merton Creek, Gipps Land ranges. The Council adjourned to the 22nd, out of respect to the memory of Sir Charles Darling. John Guthry, Assistant-Commis-sioner of Customs, is dead. The Lady Darling Annuity Bill for twenty thousand pounds has passed both Houses. Professor Gamgee's preserved meat was tested yesterday at Mr Goldsborough's stores, and found a complete failure. The mutton was stinking when opened. John Tait, of Healsville, an old colonist, attempted suicide through drink. Diptheria is very prevalent. Elour, £lO to £11; maize, 4s 6d; oats, 3s Gd. Trade very dull. No

other failures notified. Sugars very firm. Sydney, March 24. A prospectus has been issued for the formation of a company called the Great North and South Bailway and Emigration Co.—capital, £20,000,000. Disastrous floods have occurred at Penrith, Windsor, Bichmond, Maitland, and Arulean. Eour lives were lost. The ketch Ino has been wrecked at Newcastle. The crew were saved by the life boat. Tremendous gales have occurred all along the coast. The barque Sunshine is wrecked on the Borneo coast. The Barque Bangoon is driven on the rocks near Kiama. The schooner Active has sailed with men and material to construct a telegraph line from Townsville to the North-west boundary of Queensland to meet the ocean cable. Adelaide, March 24. Legge, a carpenter, has murdered his wife during a drunken quarrel. Captain Phillips, master of the schooner Henry Ellis, has committed suicide by takinglaudanum. Business is quiet, and breadstuff's dull. Wheat, ss.