AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 90, 22 April 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegi ams,) Sydney, April 20. The Union Company’s steamer Arawata arrived from New Zealand yesterday. ■ ■ A delegate holding 1000 Melbourne proxies has arrived hero to oppose the abolition of proxy voting, which will be proposed at the Mutual Provident Society’s meeting to-morrow. The Newcastle masters offer 3s 6d for hewing, jand when coal is at 10s a ton, a rise or fall of 2d or 3d, in the shilling, according to the selling price. The miners’ lodges consent to consider the offer, but it is unlikely will agree to accept it. The International Exhibition, which has been open for seven mouths, was formally closed to-day by the Governor, Lord Augustus Loftus, in accordance with the programme which was issued, and in the presence of a large number of people. The Executive Commissioners’ address to his Excellency, which was read at the closing ceremony, stated that the exhibits had numbered 14,000, to which 7070 awards had been given, including 2753, first class and 2082 second class. The admissions during the seven months had reached a total of 1,022,000. The receipts had been under L 50,000, but it was hoped that the sum. would pay working expenses. Melbourne, April 20. Much speculation continues regarding the appointment to the Speakership of the Legislative Assembly. Nothing certain as yet is known on the subject. Diphtheria continues in a severe form at Hamilton, and the same disease is spreading in the township of Avenel. Sugars continue strong, and a brisk inquiry is expected. Two thousand pockets which were advertised for sale have been withdrawn. The Directors of the Frozen Moat Exportation Company waited upon the Commissioner of Customs, urging upon him the abolition of the Stock Tax, declaring that it would be quite impossible otherwise to establish the industry. The Commissioner said he could not hope at present to act in compliance with their request. Melbourne, April 21. _ At a Cabinet meeting held yesterday, it was resolved to -support. Sir M'Mahon for the speakership. is also a candidate. Brisbane, April 20. It is understood that the Government have received an offer from an English company to lay a cable from Ceylon to Point Parker, in the Gulf of Carpentaria.