AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 287, 8 March 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Renter's Agency .) The Explosion. Melbourne, March 7. In referencs to the accident to the gig of the Cerberus, it appears that the boat left the ship at the Heads to explode a charge, and during preparations an oar fouled the wire, and although the battery was not connected, an explosion was caused, and, as already reported, the boat and all of its occupants save one were blown to atoms. An inquiry has been ordered by the Government into the circumstances attending the disaster. The Reform Bill. It is understood that the Government has resolved to strongly resist at the present time Mr. Murray Smith’s motion for a Conference on the Reform Bill. Mount Poole Goldfields. Sydney, March 7. Authentic information has been received here from Mount Poole goldfield, in the Grey ranges. Five hundred men are there, and perfect order prevails, but the Chinese have been denied access to the ground. The average yield up to the present has been per load. It is staled that the field is considered untenable unless rain falls, as water is very short. Only twenty of the miners are known to be on gold. Cricket. The cricket match between the Australians and Eleven of New South Wales and Victoria was resumed here to-day. The combined team continued their second innings, and were all disposed of for 289 runs. The Australians then requiring 332 to ivin the match, went in for their second innings, and when play closed for the day had put together 10 runs for the loss of three wickets.