AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1496, 24 March 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mblboubne, March 18, The Premier has been for some time communicating with the Governments of other colonies in reference to a united Australian contingent for the autumn campaign in the Soudan. Mr Service states that they are inclined to deter

making a definite proposal until in possession of further information from the

Agent-Generals relative to interviews between them and the Imperial authorities, which so far have been only briefly reported by cable. A special meeting of the Gabinet was held yesterday, to discuss matters connected with the defences of the colony, but. it is not considered advisable to make the decision known.

At a meeting of the Royal Society on Thursday night, Mr Ellery retired after President for 20 years. He is succeeded by Professor Kermbt. A farewell breakfast was given to Mr James Munro, the temperance reformer, previous to his departure for Europe. An action, Louis Barnard v the Victorian Club, was heard on Thursday. It appears that some time ago a case was brought by a man named Milan against two Adelaide bookmakers, charging them with defrauding him. This being considered proved, the men were dismissed from the Club, In the course of investigations it was shown that Barnard and summers had attempted to induce Milne to withdraw the charge, and the Olub fined them each LSO. Barnard refused to pay, and consequently the Committee altered the sentence to dismissal from the Olub. The case has not yet been decided.

A Government Gazette publishes statistics of Melbourne and the suburbs. The estimated population of the district within a radius of ten miles from the post office is 322,690, being an increase of over 18,000 since 1883.

The Victorian Government have practically selected Major-General Downes as Secretary of the Defeaoe Force, but the appointment will not be made till next week.

Works are rapidly proceeding at the Heads to strengthen. Point Nepean. The erection of a fresh battery, is also proceeding, together with a fresh fort in the South Channel. The Austrian cruiser Saida arrived in the Bay yesterday. She turns out to be a training ship, and her voyage is altogether of a peaceful character—an endeavor to introduce commerce between the Colonies and Austria. She proposes to visit New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and Singapore, gathering information at these places.

Sydney, March 18. George Augustus Sala, the eminent journalist, arrived in Sydney on Friday and met with an enthusiastic reception at the Town Hall. In response to the toast of his health, Mr Sala stated that in writing about the Colonies he should endeavor to tell truth under all circumstances, without treading on people’s corns. He will deliver his first lectures in Melbourne.

General Soratohley has offered his services to assist in devising the best means foe the defence of the harbor. Ample arrangements have been made for torpedo defence, and the officers of the Naval Brigade have been empowered to accept the serv.cea ot men desirous of joining this branch of the force.

Applications are still being made for j_ \r„i lin *anr force. Par

enrolment. iu

yatUQQt opened last. nii;ht, A. speech wai> ftii'.te by Mr Dailey in defence <d th rtbudin Expedition. An amendment was moved to the address, alleging the ills gality of the-despatch of troops. Ultimately the debate was adjourned,