AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1513, 14 April 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, April 8. At the Easter encampment at Frankston, the muster numbered 1,190 men. The Metropolitan force arrived there on Friday last, but the country troops did not arrive till Saturday morning. The camp arrangements were excellent. The Governor visited the camp on Saturd y, Major Sar

good accompanying him. At Port Philip Hsads the forts were occupied, and the Victorian fleet sailed down the Bay, and anchored near. The Sorrento men at the forts had good bill practice, and a sham fight took place between the ships and the forts. A sham fight also took place at Mordialloc, one side attacking, and the other defending the local railway station. Two large fires occurred in the city on

Monday night, one at Cohen’s furniture factory, Lonsdale street. Two workshops and two cottages were completely destroyed. The loss was estimated at LISOO not covered by insurance. The other fire was at John Sharp and Sons’ sawmills, Sandridge road. The fire commenced about five o’clock, and was not subdued until Tuesday morning. The loss was estimated at L20,t00, and was covered by insurance.

A remarkable tragedy was discovered yesterday morning at South Melbourne, It appears that for some time past a man named Bowden labored under the delusion

that he was perpetually surrounded by larrikins anxious to kill him. He carried about a revolver, and his wife, being alarmed, asked the policejto interfere, as she thought her life was endangered. The police declined to do so .unless a warrant were taken out, which the wife would not do. On Monday the couple seamed on excellent terms ; on Tuesday morning," tyh§n the house was entered, their two bodies were foQnd lying side by side, the husband with the revolver'iq his hand, with three chambers still loaded. It is supposed the husband shot his wife and then himself.

Sydney, April 8. A sham fight took place at the South Heads encampment yesterday. A deputation of wharf men waited on Captain Hibson with reference to the enrolment of men for tho Naval Brigade. Captain Hixson expressed hi’a approval of the movement, - and said tho wharf laborers wore just the class of men requi.ed fjr such a brigade. Adelaide, April 8.

Mr H L J. W Ikin has made a claim on Government for the reward of LIO.OOO for the discovery of a workable coalfield, apd a syndicate has been formed to work the field n.oar Ej-ergott Spring#.