AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1258, 20 May 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 13. The Presbyterian Assembly has been siting to consider the application of the Scots Church fora bill to enable it to leave the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. The Assembly decided vigorously to oppose the bill. The trial of Henry Morgan for the murder of the little girl Margaret Nolan at Panmuro, near Warrnambool, in November last, was concluded on Saturday, when the prisoner was condemned to death. - By the Parramatta, which arrived yesterday, a considerable number of Indian rpilitary officers have come to Australia to spend their leave. A welcome rainfall has occurred in all parts of Victoria. A glove fight took place on Saturday night in Athletic Hall, Bourke street. It was stopped by the police on the ground of its brutality. “ Forget-me-not ” has been withdrawn at the Princess, after a very successful run. Miss Ward is now pi -ying there in the “ Queen’s Favorite " Miss Melville is doing a splendid business with “ Carmen a* the Bijou. Money is turned away every night. M* BB Jeffreys Lewis opens at the Royal this week in ” Mr John Radcliffe, the eminent English flute player, is giving concerts, assisted by Madame Pauline Rita. The Railway Commissioners are taking steps to have all the passenger trains su. * plied with continuous brakes. Saunders and Bolitho’a automatic vacuum brake is to be fitted on tfle overland express trains. k movement is on foot to present a testimonial to the Rev Dr Bromby. The fellmongers are agitating for an export duty to be Paced on sheepskins. The Mayor gave a quarterly luncheon on Friday, at which' the Premier end Minister for Defence were present. The guests included officers of the French warship Duohaffaut, now in dock here, Mr O. Fisher ( vlayor of Wellington), and many other visitor®.

Sydney, May 13. A great number of men continue unemployed, despite the efforts of Government to provide work for them. Maay of the number seem disinclined to accept their offers, preferring to receive charitable aid. It is understood that Government intend to convert the Wolverine into a training ship. Dr Mutfay, Retain Catholic Bishop of Maitland, has received a letter from Archbishop Moran stating he will leave for Australia in July. Bishop Barry presided at a meeting of the Blue Ribbon Mission last night, and spoke in favor of the movement. Over 3,000 have donned the ribbon since the arrival of Booth. Encouraging reports continue to be received from t’ e country regarding the break up of the drought. Adelaide, May 13. The Commission appointed to report on the means of relieving the destitute has held several sifctinys. Mr Reed, the Chairman, made a proposal that compulsory weekly payments should be made by all young men between seventeen and twenty five, in order .to ensure against sickness an i old age. The journeymen bakers went out on strike ou Saturday, but no public inconvenience ensued. The City Oeunoil has adopted the report of the Town Hall Committee, recommending it to consider any proposition for holding sacred concerts er organ recitals in the Town Hall on Sunday afternoons. The erection of the new Parliament Houses is proceeding rapidly, and it is probable that the last session of the present Parliament will be held in the new Chamber.