AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1081, 23 October 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Oct. 17. In the Assembly, Mr Shield has given notice that on Tuesday next ho will move a resolution in favor of opening the Public Library and Picture Gallery on Sunday afternoons. The Sandridge Municipal Council is considering the advisableness of altering the name of the municipality. One party suggests Port Melbourne, while others are in favor of the name of Southport. The question remains in abeyance for a month.

A difficulty has arisen with regard to the conveyance of Victorian firemen to the Fire Brigades’ demonstration in Sydney on November 9. The Railway Department is unable to spare the necessary rolling stock, owing to exceptional requirements for the traffic on that day. The case of Charles Strong was further discussed in the Presbytery, and referred to the General Assembly. It is intended, in connection with the present Congregational public to raise between L 40.000 and L 50.000, to liquidate the debt on the Congregational Churches.

The trial trip of the turret ship Cerberus, which has lately had new boilers, was unsatisfactory. Only nine knots were obtained, and the steering apparatus worked badly. Some of the masters have refused to adopt the price list adopted by the Operative Union and the Masters’ Assooia ion. A. strike has taken place at the dissentient shops, and upwards of 200 men are oat already. Justice Moles worth has granted probate in the estate of J. W. Stock, who was missed from the Manapouri on a voyage from Melbourne to New Zealand in February last. The proceedings against Dr Marr, of Eaglehawk, for firing at his housekeeper in September, have become complicated. When released on bail the prisoner married the prosecutrix, so that she is unable to give evidence. It is probable the smaller charge of assault will be brought.

A disgraceful scene occurred in a cemetery on Sunday. Two or three hundred larrikins obstructed the burial rites of some Chinaman, tramping over the graves and behaving in a disgusting manner.

The Rev. D. Jones Burner has published a statement alleging a widespread immorality as the result of mixing the sexes in the State'schools. The Minister of Education has resolved to institute an inquiry.

Sydney, Oct. 17.

A good rain haa fallen throughout the colony; and the prospects of the crops are much improved. Mr Shearstone, the seaman’s missionary, was brutally assaulted and robbed on Circular Quay, while returning from a visit to some vessels, and his assailants are undiscovered.

Thelegranjs have been received by Government from all parts of the cobny, approving of the provisions of the new Land Act.

In the Assembly yesterday Mr McTlhone, in moving for copies of papers relating to the desirable route of the Illawana Railway, which had been suggested by the Colonial Secretary, charged the hon gentleman with attempting to bring about the change in the line with the corrupt intention of benefiting himself at the expense of the colony, inasmuch as the proposed new route would have passed through his mineral lands. Mr Stuart rejected the charge, and said that it so happened that either route would pass through lands which were his property. The Bill to Amend the Law of Libel and Contempt of Court is to be submitted without delay. The opinions received from the country are so far favorable to the new Land Bill that the security that will be given to pastoral enterprise is not the least valuable provision of the measure. The Government offer a reward of LSOO with a view of securing the apprehension and conviction of persons implicated in the Woolloomeoloo outrage.

The bazaar held at the Government House in aid of the Melanesian Mission proved highly successful in a pecuniary sense, as the mission funds will be largely augmented. The Rev. A. G. Fry has been elected Chairman ef the Congregational Union of New South Wales.

The Rev. Jeffries has given notice of motion that the sovereignty of the .British Empire should be paramount in the Southern Seas, as the occupation of New Guinea and the New Hebrides by any other Power would bo inimicable to the future of the colonies and the Australian and native races of the South seas. The steamer Elamang struck on Salamander reef, Northern Queensland. The shock, was tremendous, and it was thought the vessel was going to sink, but she was brought safely to Townsvilie, making no water. Warm and welcome rain has fallen all over the colony, Adelaide, Oct. 17. The Treasurer has stated that a new war vessel for the defence of the colony, now in course of construction, would leave England in January or February. The system of direct communication between engine drivers, passengers, and guards, has been tried successfully. The system is known as Spagnolemis.

■■■- —U The South Australian Register estimates that with favorable conditions there will be an average yield of wheat of ten bushels to the acre this year. Brisbane, Cct. 17. The Vice-Admiralty Court has awarded L 3,500 to the owners and crew of the Waroonga for salvage of .the Teviotdale. The Colonial Secretary has received a telegram stating that fifteen thousand acres of sugar land have been bought in Dew Guinea for a pennj per ace, the owner being unaware of the transaction. This early introduction of the land shw&p,' ing element is generally condemned. A disturbance occurred at Thursday Is* land between the crews of the Gangs jUjd, Balimba, in which some of the immigrants aboard the latter took part. The captain of the Balimba received some nasty blows from belaying pins. Order was at length restored.

Captain Armit and party have left Cooktown for Brisbane. -

CooKTOWN, Ocfc 17. The schooner Ellagowar has arrived from Port Moresby, bringing Captain Armit, the Argus correspondent in Kew Guinea, and Loftus Irving. Both are ill of the fever. Professor Denton died at Berigabadi on the 26th of August, w fever. Captain Armit telegrpphed to the Argus on the 18th of August that Professor Denton complained of indisposition, and refused food and medicine He far*, ried Denton into Locbivago. On the 26tb he started for Mcroka, with Professor Denton on a stretcher. The fever then attacked Captain Armit. At half-' past eight on the night of the 26th of August Professor Denton died, and was buried the next morning. Captain Armit speaks enthusiastically of the country and the natives.