AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 987, 5 July 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, June 29. A fire occurred at the Commercial free store. The damage is estimated at L 2,000, and is covered by insurance. Fhyllexera Sis now confined to an area of eighty-three acres. The National Agricultural Society is desirous of having a conference of stock inspectors of 4 the various colonies, with the object of assimilating the various quarantine regulations. The Minister of Agriculture thought it would • not prove effective, and suggested the better way would be to press other colonies to prohibit the importation of stock altogether. A number of serious charges have been preferred against an officer holding a responsible position in the Railway Department. Sydney, June 29. The civil sittings of the Supreme Court have been unusually interesting and lengthened. The Herald proprietors have resolved to seek a new trial in Anderson v. Fairfax, and ajrule nisi was granted for a new trial in Mason v. Watson, in which the late Colonial Treasurer is prominently concerned. When this matter was before the Court, the Judge thought it a pity that the papers had commented on the case in the way they had. Mr Owen, Q.C., who appeared for defendant, said the conduct of the newspapers was most reprehensible, as they would soon have to be suppressed if they went on as they were going. In a slander case, Davies v. Harris, some startling evidence has been elicited, and a great deal of personal acrimony shown. Davies admitted, in his evidence, having received a present of a diamond ring and gold albert chain from a contractor for refreshments at the late Exhibition. Prom the prominent position held by both parties, the case excites unusual interest.

The law recently passed for inflicting the punishment of whipping on larrikins comes into operation next week.

A Local Self-Government League has been formed, with a view of securing a healthier and more self-reliant feeling. The Chamber of Commerce has urged on the Government the adoption of uniform wharfage rates at all ports, as at some ports the wharfage rates have been abolished. The Treasurer admitted the reasonableness of the request. The charges of heresy against the - Rev. Osborne, of York street Wesleyan Church, have fallen through. Mr Twopeny has obtained ho encouragement for his Exhibition scheme in this colony. He leaves by the Manapouri next week.

It has been resolved to commence the erection’of new buildings for a public library at the top of King street. John Gardyne, age I twenty-nine, late partner in the firm of Holdsworth and Gardyne, ironmongers, committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself. Brisbane, June 29. Captain Armit, Argus special, and E. Morrison, Age special, have both left Cooktown for New Guinea. The debate on the Transcontinental Railway Bill will commence on Tuesday. Koropuka, a New Guinea chief in the Aroma district, together with several of his followers, is visiting Cooktown.