AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1316, 3 November 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mbuovbrli October 28. Tho Accountant to the Post Office and Telegraph Department haa furnished a return showing the increase in telegraphic business consequent on the reduction of rates between this colony and Wales and the introduction of sixpenny messages in this colony. The reduction in messages to -New South Wales took place in January last, when the charge for ten words was reduced from 2a to Is. The business during the first quarter showed an increase of 31' per cent compared with the corresponding quarter of last year, but the revenue shows a decrease of 5 per cent. The results of the 64 telegrams show an increase in the traffic of 34 per cent, with only a decrease in the revenue of L 364. The Customs Department have seized a case of blasphemous indecent publications imported from America. The whole will be destroyed. The trial of Joseph Symee, on a charge of keeping a disorderly house by naing the Hall of Science as a pb.ee of pnblio entertainment, concluded on Saturday. Mr Justice Higginbotham, in somming up, commented severely on some of the proceedings. The defendant, he said, claimed freedom of thought. He should extend the same to others. Tet, by his conduct, he had insulted the sacred feelings of others. He described the mock service delivered by the defendant as destitute of learning, knowledge, science, or reason, and as a literary composition was beneath contempt- The j ury were nuable to agree, and were equally divided in opinion, consequently they were. discharged. The defendant was released on his own recognisances of L2OO to appear again in .November. The usual entertainment was given by Symee on Sunday night, the customary charges being made at the A door. 7 The Wool Growers’ Association has held several meetings since its formation. Sir William Olarke haa been appointed chairman. Tbs Assembly has been at work in Comml 4 'tee on the Federal Oonnoil Bill, la clause 62 the words “ No Australian colonies not facing Grown colonies ” were added. Sydney, October 28. A cable message haa been received from Mackey of San Francisco, offering to match Teemer pgainst Beach. It is intended to accept the challenge, and offer liberal expenses for Teemer to come and row in Australian waters. It is probable matches will Disarranged between Teemer, Mattersoa and Beech.