AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1277, 30 June 1886, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, June 24

Very little progress has been made with the Customs Bill In the Assembly, business being impeded by the motions for adjournment on the proposition to gra»t Sir John Pobertson £IO,OOO for his long, distinguished, and patriotic services. Tho motion was variously received, although it was generally admitted that his services were entitled to recognition.

The polny of the banka in raising the* j rate of interest is generally regarded as likely to further cramp trade. A number of miners still continue leaving for Kimberley. Business of all kinds is very dull. Ministers have promised that a Bill, dealing with the rabbit nuisance will be Introduced next session. Beisbane, June 24. Captain Cross, of the Undine, emphatl cally denies the statement made by the French press at Noumea that there has been any formal annexation or occupation in the New Hebrides. It has been ascertained that the Antipodes Islands are seventy-five miles further to the eastward than laid down on the chart. Captain Hamilton, of the 111-fated ship North American, sailed under an incorrect chart of 1873, and it is presumed his vessel ran ashore during the night. Afire occurred.last night at Flinders street railway station ; damage, £2OOO.