AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1246, 25 May 1886, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May IS

A meeting was held on Friday last for the purpose of arranging a suitable reception to Mr Murray Smith, the returning Agent-General- 'J ho meeting was of a cordial character, all the speakers agreeing that Mr Murray Smith had done more for the colony of Victoria as his Ambassador to London than any of its pro deceasors. It was resolved to entertain him at a banquet. The report of discoveries of gold at the Kimberley district, Western Australia, has attracted a large amount of ai'entiou throughout the goldfields in this colony. Notwithstanding the difficulties and hardships of the journey from either Derby or Cambridge Gulf, several parties are preparing to start for the new rush. Messrs Howard. Smith and Co., have arranged to tend the steamer Gambler to Caimbridge Gulf, K ng's hound. There is every indication that a considerable number of p>eisons will go from this colony to the new goldfields. Hugh George, who for many years was the general manager of the ‘‘Argus” and laterly occupied a similar position on the ‘’Sydney Morning Herald,” died at the Australian Club ou Friday last from heart disease.

The tenders for the Ocean Mail Service were laid before the Cabinet yesterday. Only two tenders were sent, namely, those of the Orient and the Peninsular and Oriental Company. The Peninsular and Oriental tendered for a fortnightly service, via the Siuez Canal, the length of contract being for seven or tea years, the time occupied in conveying letters via Brindisi to Adelaide would be ihirty-two days, the rate of payment demanded is H 15.000 per annum for a seven years service, or LIIO,OOO per annum for a ten years service. The Orient tenders, via Naples, the time being thirty two days, the rate of payment asked is lls per !b for letters, 6d per ib for other matter, and L 750 pounds per voyage each way Brisbane, May 18.

The French Consul here recived a telegram from Captain Tuenel from Rockhampton, master of the French banque Gucher, that his vessel had been wrecked, five of the crew were drowned, and five were saved. The Government also received a message from the Pullce Magistrate, Rockhamton, that Captain Tuenel and four of his crew landed at Rockhampton on Saturday night last, and reported the loss of his barque on Lewedel Reef, off Bird Island.