AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1579, 8 June 1887, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Jane 1. The Chinese Commissioners, who are staying at the Orlen'a\ Hotel, were eagaged the greater jpart of ye3terdty receiving visitor*, amongst whom were Mr Bell, Aoting-Minift'er of Defence, Sir Geo. Vernon, Colonel Disney, MajorGeneral Downes, and D Brownleas. Today General, Wong Yung Ho and his colleague, Mr W. Tslog, luuohed at Government House; During the week they will inspect a number of the principal shops and factorias around the | city, also the Law Courts, Mint, and Parliament Houces. The Managers of the", Fire"lnsuranoe Companies end heads of the Munlolpal Volunteer Firo B:igaies;in the olty yesterdiy welcomed Superintendent Stein, of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, to the position to which ho has £boon recently appointed, by ho diug a luncheon at the Brigade Depot, Little Bourka street. Mr W. L. Archer presided, and m proposing the health of the frr'upormtendout, spoko of him as a man who had p^ssod through every grade of fire acn'n duties, who commenced at tha bottom and worked his way up. sSup*rint«»DcUnt Steio, m reply. Ing, said if what he had sesn of the firemen m Melbourne was a fair specimen of what he might meet throughout the town and bubutbo he should not complain. 1 The Customs authorities are investigating a case against Sohutikraft for evading the Customs Act. The matter was brought before the Customs by a late shipping clerk, who had been dismissed. He said he had systematically evaded the Aot with the knowledge of Kelly the manager. The authorii.es visited the premises B^ad seiz.d tbe stock. The matter is much canvassed m the city, and is regarded m a serious light by the CojimUstooer of Trade and Customs, who took advantage of a Cabinet meeting yesterday to inform his colleagues of the events wh'oh led to tbe seizure. Mr Walker states that the Information supplied relative to Kelly's oonduot is co serious that he is m doubt how to proceed. The numerous collisions which have occurred between Messrs Purves and Gaunson during tho progress of the railway enquiry, culminated towards tbe i close of yesterday's sittings m an attack by Mr Gauneon npoa Mr Purves and Mr Speight. The guard of tbo ordinary train was giving evidence, whioh Mr Put vea considered vague, and among other things he stated that after his train stopped la tho cutting he remained m the van. Be afterwards said he looked out, and Mr Purves remarked, " But yen said that yon were only sitting m the van." The wltneaa rose from his chair, an^ began, '•Now look here," when Mr Purves interrupted, " Now, sit down ; don't play the fool." Mr Gaunson jumped to his feet, and asked the Coroner if that was a proper expression for the 0 uosel for the Hallway Commissioners to use* The spectators, chiefly tail way employee*., cheered loudly, and the Coroner thereupon, without hesitation, ordered the Court to be oleared.