AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1529, 1 May 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, April 25. The fitting up of the P. and O. steuner Massilla is being rapidly proceeded vith. It is believed that th,e command will be given to a naval officer, and that a trow of 170 men will be placed oa board. The Lusitania -vill be pushed forward nsxt week.

The Cabinet is fully alive to defensive preparations, and no effort is being spared to place the batteries in an efficient state. Daily drills are hold of all arms. The small rainfall has reduced the supply ip Botany dams to a month’s requirements, In thjs serious state of affairs efforts will bo made to hasten on the temporary supply from the Nepean. Haitian takes with him a number of valuable presents, as well as the goodwill of all colonists.

Mr Gala’s lectures have not been largely attended.

The Zealandia difficulty was made worse by lfy.e engineers, except the chief engineer, leaving the ship on the ground that the crow engagadVas incompetent. The captpin and agents were determined pp to the last moment not to give way if possible.

Puusbane, April 25. Mr M‘Donald Pa'teraon has accepted tha Postmaster-Generalship with a peat in the Council The Swedish barque Beatrice, which loft Newcastle for Valparaiso, put iii here, having encountered a terrific humcane. Melbourne, April 25.

Mr Highest was elected for Manderang. Mr Gaunson, who has been hqw defeated in eight contents, lost hia deposit, Messrs Goldsbrough and Co show net profits for the year of L 31,000. The Governor has given great satisfaction to working classes by attending the eight hours’ demonstration,