AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1004, 25 July 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 18. A report of the proceedings of the public meeting in favor of the annexation of che Pacific Islands has been sent Home at the cost of the Government. An offer has been made to the Government by a French inventor to sell for L 2,000 the patent of gas intended for the destruction of rabbits. A company has been formed at Ballarat, with a capital of L 20.000, to build a large coffee palace in that city. At a public meeting a Committee was formed to prepare a scheme for the establishment of a temperance hospital. Sydney, July 18. A London telegram announces that M. D. Conway, the well-known veteran preacher, lecturer, and journalist, leaves London next Saturday for Sydney via America. Sheep sales held during the week have been fairly successful. The sheep sold have been mostly from Tasmanian flocks. Several members of the Ministry are now visiting the Illawara district, where the Premier and colleagues were well received. The Minister of Works said that the new Railway Bill was intended to give railway communication to all parts of the colony. Strong efforts are being made by the Early Closing Association to obtain uni-

formity in the closing of drapers’ shops in the city. A fund is being raised for the family of the late C. 8. Packer, musician. The New South Wales loan was interfered with by a fall in Consols of j per cent, and the French difficulty in Madagascar. Adelaide, July 18. At the conclusion of the races at Port Augusta, the Governor, in responding to the toast of his health, said he was greatly pleased to see the number of men of position and wealth connected with horse racing, as it augured well for the success of the turf in the colony.