AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 338, 7 May 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Colonial “Fizz ” Melbourne, May 6. The trial of Dr. L. L. Smitii’s colonial champagne took place to-day. There was a large representative gathering,

and good judges declared the wine to be excellent. It look a' second award at the recent Exhibition. The Cerebus Calamity. Melbourne, To-day. The report of the Board appointed to investigate the circumstances attending the Cerebus torpedo calamity has been issued. It concludes that the explosion was due to the presence of an electric current between the battery and torpedo. The arrangements which had been made for carrying out the experiments are judged to have been faulty. Regret is expressed that Commander Mandeville was absent from the vessel when preparations were being made. At Home Once MoreThe Merchant Shipping, and Underwriter’s Association wire as follows :—London, May s—Arrived5 —Arrived : Wanganui, ship, from Auckland, on January xB. The Census.

Sydney, May 6. The provisional abstract of the census taken on the night of Sunday, 3rd April, has been issued to-day. The total population of the colony of New South Wales is approximately 850,000, and that of the City of Sydney and suburbs 220,000 The Markets. Hennessy’s brandy, case, 36s 6d ; bulk, quarters, 12s 3d. New Zealand oats were quoted to-day at 2s 6d per bushel ; maize, per 6olbs, 2s 6d; tobacco, Raven’s twist, per lb, is 3d. Adelaide, May 6. Wheat firm, at 4s 6d; town flour is quoted at Lio 10s, and country brands L 9 los to L 9 15s.