AUSTRALIAN.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6496, 26 April 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.)

Bbisbane,. April 24— Captain Huttor, of tho German steamer Otille, while on a voyago from Finchaven, Now Guinea, to Cooktown, jumped overboard while in a state of high fever, and was drowned.

An expedition has returned from Finchaven, and report that they have discovered what are believed to bo traces of the explorers Von Bulow and Himstur and servant. The Bjjot whore the articles were found appeara to have been the scene of an eruption, and it is believed that the party were ongulphcd, Reports received from the sugar districts show that the crops aro in a backward condition, and that tho yield this year will be below tho average. Pehtit, W.A., April 24 — At a public meoting to-day re the refusal of the Governor to sanction the construction of the Bunbury to Darling Ranges railway, a resolution was passed condemning his action and asking him to reconsider tho question. Mhlboubke, April 25 — Mr James Sorvice is a candidate for tho vacancy in tho Legislative Council caused by the death of Dr Hearn, who represented the Provinco of Molbourno. Dr Hcarn's tonn as member would have expired in November next. A miner, fossicking at Wedderburn, a mining town situated on Korang Creek, 146 miles N.W. of here, unearthed a nugget woighing 54 ounces. At a stormy meeting of tho Secularists' Association, Mr Joseph Symcs roproached in strong terms tho Anarchists, whoso object ho declared was solely to secure funds from tho Secularists with which to purchaso dynamite. Sidney, April 2-1 — The Government Statistician in his roport states that tho population of tho Australasian colonies shows that thobirths last year wore 120,000; averago per 1001 of population, 34 43; deaths, 47 500, avorago 13 64. Now Zealand showed lowest birth rate, 31 7', also lowest doath rate, 10 17. Immigration — 247.^01; emigration — 182 000. Theexcessof immigrants over emigrants in New Zealand was only 977.

Tho Government will introduoo a Bill into tho Legislative Assembly providing for tho imposition of a tax on the valuo of land and not on acreage, and also a Bill for the taxation of property. It is also intended to introduce measures for tho establishment of an Agricultural College near Sydney and experimental farms in tho north, south, and western disiricts.

Svdnet, April 25, — In tho Houso last night it \ias agreed to vote £1000 as a grant to tho widow of Worrill, the gato keeper at Homebush railway station, who lost his life in an unsuccessful attempt to rosoue a child wandering on tho railway line from tho approaching train. Parkes, in submitting tho voto to the House, eulogisod tho aotion of Worrill as an example of brilliant heroism.

An citensivo thvec-storoy grocery -warehouse in Georgo Streot, occupied by Barlo« Bros., vas considerably damaged by firo last night. The stock was insured for £12,50^. Tho damage is estimated from £12,000 to £15,000.

Bondfield, postmaster at Palmer Island, Clarence River, has been arrested for embezzling about£10!)0of Government money. Smith, tho principal witnoss in tho Mount Rennip outrages, while in tho Bathurst gaol awaiting sentence on a charge of nnon, for which he had boon convicted, came face to face with Donollan, a youth concerned in the Rennio outrage, but whose scntenco of death had been commuted, when tho latter rushed Smith and attempted to stranglo him. The gaql warder overpowored Donellan, and removed Smith to a place of safety.

A largo proportion of tho ammunition imported from England for mo in tho heavy guns placed in tho batteries at the Honrts has bcon condemned by the Military Board.

Adelaide, April 25 — A severe drought is threatened in tho northern and central portions of tho colony, and disastrous results are expected. Young lambs aro dying in great numbers.