AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1394, 2 December 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, November 25. Sir William Mitchell, President of the Legislative Council, died rather suddenly on Monday; the 24th, at Kyneton. His death is attributed to Gab-poisoning. The Rev Charles Strong, lata Minister of the Scots Church, arrived from Europe by the Ganges,and was warmly welcomed. His visit is purely due to private business. The Premier of Tasmania has informed Mr Service that be will at the earliest opportunity bring before his colleagues , the proposition for a Conference of the : respective Cabinets on the question of ' reciprocation of trade between Victoria ■' and Tasmania. Ambulance classes are being estate lisbed in the Railway Department, 1 with, the object of giving first aid in case of accidents. . , . The Cabinet has appointed Oapi. Man* deville, late Naval Commander, as In* spector of Fisheries. Sydney, November 25. Government have received a telegram from the Agent-General, stating that the 3£ per cent New South Wales loan, la quoted at 05. as Some anxiety was felt recently for the' safety of the steamer Hero. Eventually she was picked up, with her abaft broken,; and towed here. The election of a member for Curcow, in place of the late Mr Andrew Lynch, resulted in the return of Mr E. A. Baker. - Mr J. Eckford, ex-M.L.A., died on Saturday. The wreck of the steamer Fenstanton ; on Moresby Rock, Torres Straits; will be sold at auction to-day. " , A destructive cyclone passed over the' Grafton district on Saturday. Trees were uprooted, horses and cattle killed, and' buildings damaged. Brisbane, November 25.

The Municipal Council have accepted the tender of Captain Hansard., Marine Superintendent of the Queensland Steam Shipp ng Company, for the lease of the new municipal wharves for five yean, at L 1,250 per annum. The Australian Steam Navigation Com* pany’s s.s. Gunga is reported ashore near Cape Bowling Green. The trial of McNeill for the murder of two South ea Islanders is proceeding. A syndicate has been formed to con* struct a high-level bridge over the river Brisbane at Bulimba, a few miles below the city. A large and enthusiastic meeting carried resolutions advocating the principle* of local option.

Adelaide, November 25. | A good deal of excitement prevails consequent on the numerous destructive fires recently. Last Saturday night an impression got abroad that a large fire weald break out. The streets were consequently thronged with people, and the fire bn- - gadea were on the qni vive, though fortunately they were not required. A second case of criminal outrage on a woman took place on Saturday. Two men were arrested. The citizens talk of form- - ing a Vigilance Committee for self protection against criminals. Sergeant Ashley Forbes, of the Salvation Army, has been committed to the lunatic asylum as insane. He had btieor ~ conducting himself in an erratic manner for some time.

Mr B. Henning, M.L. A, died on Monday. The deceased had been 35 years in the colony. The Hon J. 0. Bray has been elected President of the Tariff Beyision Association. He delivered an address strongly in favor of protection.