AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1022, 15 August 1883, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, August 9. The anxiety felt for the safety of the ship Northumberland has been somewhat allayed, as advices have been received that she was at St Helena on June Bth. She encountered a very severe gale. All the officers required for the organisation of the difence scheme have been selected at Home. Certain officers of the Railway Department have reported upon the feasibility of constructing much lighter and cheaper lines than any yet made. The Melbourne Presbytery appointed a committee to consider what action •be taken regarding the recent proceedings in Scott’s Church, on the occasion of a lectors delivered by Judge Higginbotham. Judge Skinner finally retires from the County Court Bench at the end of the year. The Exhibition Trust is taking steps to utilise the Exhibition buildings as a place of recreation for the public. Shakell, lately declared to be elected by the Election Committee, is now being sued for penalties. If the case goes against him the Governor in Council will remit penalties. Sydney, August 9. The question of the Irish informers occupied a prominent place in public attention, and great satisfaction was felt at tbe decision of the Homo Government to take charge of the men, who are now on board the war ship Nelson. The Ministers of Education, Mines and Justice have proceeded on a tour in the Northern District.

Mr Stevens Moor, Second Clerk in the Legislative Council, has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms in the room of Mr Shadforth, who retires. Sir Francis Smith, Chief Justice of Tasmania, is at present on • a visit to this colony. Very large entries were received for the Spring meeting of the A.J.C. Fortythree still remain in the Metropolitan, but will be thinned down before the final acceptances are declared. It is very fine weather, and rain is much wanted in the country districts. Brisbane, August 9. A large influx of Chinese ,is expected daily. Nearly a thousand Chinese laborers have been ordered to be sent out as fast as possible before Paliament meets and restrictive legislation can be adopted. Mr Mcllratth, in addressing the electors, said he did not intend ko recede one inch from the principle, and had not the slightest doubt he would be able to carry out tbe pridciples initiated.