AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 984, 2 July 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per Rotomahana at the Bluff.] [by telegraph.] Melbourne, June 26. The Shops Commission has drafted a scheme for the establishment of Courts of Conciliation, for the settlement of trade disputes, to be composed of an ■ equal number of employees and employers. The girl Catherine Griffin was brought up again in the Brighton Police Court on a charge of forgery. The case arose from begging letter frauds, by which the friends of Pr feasor McCoy had been victimised. The Conference of ’ the Australasian Marine Uiinderwriters is concluded. The visitors were entertained at dinner, and a large number of important subjects were discussed, git was agreed that a Conference meet each year in one of the principal cities of the Australasian 0010 lies. The Argus has despatched Capta.o W.lliam E. Armit to explore New Guinea. Mrs Harapson’s mission has been very well attended, hundreds being turned away from the Town Hall nightly, unable to obtain admission.

The Hon 0. H. Bromby was announced to lecture on the Irish question in the Town Hall, but when the Mayor heard of the nature of the lecture he cancelied the Ingagement of the Hall and forb ’de the eeoture. It was rumored that Mr Redmond would speak. Mr Bromby, however, disclaims any connection with Mr Redmond, and threatens the Corporation with an action for breach of contract in refusing the Hall. Sydney, June 26. The Insurance Companies have decided to disband their fire brigade at the end of the year, owing to the absence of, legalised control neutralising the efficiency. Mr and Mrs Anderson, plaintiffs in the recent libel action, were thrown out of a buggy, and both were cut and bruised., The slander casp, Davies v. Harris es proceeding. The case arose out of a dispute relative to the hiring of the steamer Coonanbarra.

Mr Edward Alexander Rennie is appointed • Auditor-General iu place of Mr Christopher Rolleston, O.M.G. A man a co-ted the sentry on- duty at the Paddington Barracks, drew a revolver and firbd, hitting the sentry in the 1 leg. He then entered the guard room, firing promiscuously,|but fortunately hit no one, although there were several narrow escapes. His name is William Hunter, and he is reported to be suffering from religious mania. The committee appointed to. secure the election of a Bishop for Sydney are iu daily expectation of a communication from England on the subject. A man named William Houlahen fell from the train and was instantly killed.

Adelaide, June 26. News has been received from all quarters of the destretive nature of the floods last week. The Holdfast Bay railway line has been washed away for a considerable distance in many parts. Bridges have been washed away and property destroyed. The examiners for the Elder Scholarship in the Royal College of Music awarded it to Otto Fischer, of Melbourne, a baritone, The Governor congratulated Herr ■Fischer, and promised him letters of introduction to the principal musicians in Europe.