AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1028, 22 August 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, August 16,

The City of Agra, from London, had a most perilous voyage. Most of the passengers lost severely by the accident. The weather is very wet and stormy. At Laylesford a reservoir burst, and some houses were completely swamped. The Government intend to apply the princip es of the Railway Management Bill to the Civil Service.

Sydney, August 16.

It is the intention of the Government to amend the law of libel, so as to prevent persons bringing speculative actions and obtaining heavy damages against conscientious journals. Nothing is now heard of the informers now aboard of the Nelson.

The appointment of Canon Barry to the see of Sydney, has excited a good deal of controversy, the low church party showing opposition to the appointment. Running an express train daily between Sydney and Melbourne in 24 hours commences on Monday next. The steamer Catterthun, outward bound for China, went ashore on Lang’s Reef, near Watson’s Bay. She was waiting to take aboard Chinamen, when the tide caught her bow and took her on to Green Point, She is more damaged than at first was supposed.

Brisbane, August 16,

A telegram from Townsville reports the discovery of a new silver field, 40 miles from Ravenswood.

The ketch Marquis of Lome struck a rocknear (Jardwell,and sank in 15 minutes. It is believed the master and crew are saved. The vessel was insured in a New Zealand Company for LI,OOO. Sir Anthony Musgrave, the newlyappointed Governor of Queensland, leaves England on September 1.