AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1036, 31 August 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, August 25.

An action for libel is being commenced by Messrs Williamson, Garner and Musgrove for libel against tha Age and Leader , for reflecting on their management of the Theatre.

An Irish-Australian Convention will meet in Melbourne in November next, to organise an Irish National League on a permanent basis All the colonies, including JNew Zealand, will send delegates. The heavy portion of the Calcutta exhibits are to be despatched by the new Commission next week.

The Premier intends issuing a circular to all the colonies, inviting them to send delegates to the Convention to be held in September. Mr Thomas Bent, ex-Minister of Railways, was thrown from his buggy aui injured, but not dangerously. The George Roper is going to pieces. All the cargo is now washed out. The'Secularists have resolved to build a Secular Hall in Melbourne.

Actions have been commenced on behalf of the widows against the New Australasian Company, to Recover compensation for the loss of their husbands in the late mining accident.

Sydney, Aug. 25.

A most solemn and impressive requiem mass was held at St Mary’s Cathedral on the morning of the 23rd, in the, presence, of »n immense crowd. The interior of the building was draped in black, and relieved with festoons of white flowers. In front of the altar was placed a catafalque, which was coveted with beautiful flowers. Among those present we e the Governor, Captain Henderson of the Nelson, Captain Watson of the Miranda, the Attorney General, iMr Justice Faucett. Hundreds were unable to obtain admission. The Bishops of Maitland, Armidale, and Goulbourn officiated, together with about sixty priests. Mozart’s Twelfth Mass was given. A meeting has been held and a memorial to the late Archbishop has been initiated. During the vacancy in the See the Very Rev Dean Sheridan has charge of the archdiocese.

Steps are being taken for a scientific exploration of New Guinea, to be undertaken conjointly by all the colonies. The Synod Committee for the election of a Bishop has received intimation that both Committees hive concurred in the election of Canon Barry.. Owing to the fee cf six guineas imposed by the Hawkesbury Racing Club upon bookmakers, the leading members of the Ring abstained from atterding the course. w

The weather, which was wet and cold the early part of the week, is now splendid.

The Marine Board find that Captain Binstead, of the Gatterthun, caused the stranding of the vessel by not anchoring, and he is cited to : appear before the Board on Monday. The Chinese coffins recently received by the steamer Hoitiow from New Zealand have been placed aboard (he hulk Faraway, at the quarantine ground./ The objectionable nature of the cargo is strongly commented on. The health authorities refused to allow the vessel to take the bodies to Newcastle.

The contract with the Orient Company for the conveyance of immigrants is to be commenced as soon as practicable after the despatch of the last sailing vessel. The steamers will be despatched monthly vis the Cape, and come direct to Sydney, unless the Tasmanian Government join in the undertaking. The rainfall for this year at the Botany watersheds h s been about 42su.