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Western Star, Issue 1003, 28 November 1885, Page 3

It is reported that the Premier of Canada will confer with the English Postal Authorities regarding the transmission of the English mails tor Australia by the Canadian-Pacific railway, so as to connect with the fast line of steamers as proposed by the Dominion Government. The convict system of "Western Australia will soon be a thing of the past. While in England last year Governor Browne arranged for the complete transfer to the colonial Government oi Imperial convict establishment. This arrangement comes into effect on January 1 next, and by it only about 40 or 50 Imperial prisoners in the Colony, irrespective of a small number of ticket-of-leave men, remain, the last convict having been sent to Western Australia some twenty years ago. The colony will not now be distinguished from any other colonies of the Australian group by its penal establishment. The Bank of South Australia is applying to have an amendment made in their Act which will permit them to carry ou business in London. Mr F. J. Garrick, Agent-General for Queensland, is on a visit to Copenhagen on an emigration mission. A Peculiar Death. The woman Clara Galven, who recently fell down a well in Bathurst, died in the local hospital on Monday. At the inquest it transpired that she was pregnant, and her mother had told her either to get married or leave the house. The deceased had beaten her mother with a broom haudle, and the latter threatened to send her back to the lunatic asylum, where she had been two years ago, and from which she was let out on leave. The fear of being sent back so preyed on the deceased's mind that she threatened to do away with herself sooner than return to the asylum. The deceased had once tried to "kill herself by throwing oil on the fire and then jumping on the flames. In the hospital she regained consciousness enough to be married to her betrayer. The •wounds received in the fall were regarded as fatal from the first. The verdict returned was that there was no evidence to show whether the deceased fell or threw herself down the well. I was at work in Nashville in 18G3 (said an old telegraph operator) when Grant arrived just after the accident in Louisiana which made him use crutches. A friend and myself went to the theatre one night. The house was crowded, save oiae row of seats. A little surprised that they were empty, I advanced to them, to find a, guard at each end. I was ordered off, and told they were, reserved for General Grant and staff. I fell to back the heap of the aisle, and Jus} then the General and other officers came in. The manager got up in a great shape, with light kid gloves, bustled up and led tbjyn forward. I said to mv friend : "Come on, we belong to this party." "Come back you blank fool. You will get yourself in trouble." However I followed them up. I had on a sort of undress uniform —blue trousers and red stripe, vest with military buttons, and a fatiguo coat. I came up in time to see every seat occupied. The manager turned and saw me, and said, "Why, Captain ! I beg pardon. I thought I had reserved seats enough. Wait a minute and I'll provide you with a good seat." I was willing to wait, and he stepped to a Major across the aisle. "Oh Major will you give your seat to one of General Grant's staff ? I will get a chair for you." The Major got uy and I sat down and saw the show. through. Don't know what would have happened if the Major had Jearaed who I was, .