AUSTRALIA.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 51, 12 January 1877, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

(Per Arawata, via Bluff ) . Melbourne, Jan. 4,

With the exception of the English cricket matches, and champion races, there have been few events of interest during the week. The cricket displayed by the Victorians was splendid; the batting generally was good, the bowling admirable, and the fielding generally very good. The English team is not a paaticularly strong one, although it includes the great bowling talent, and the finest wicket keeper, but, with three or four exceptions, it is weak in batting. In the matches they have played they have been twice beaten, with fifteen against them. There has been one draw, and they have won three very easy matches, where the cricket was not first-class. The Champion Race on Monday proved an easy victory for Pride of the Hills. His owner is said to have won £9000. Briesis came in sixth, which was last but one. The Premier has announced his intention of again contesting Warnambool. Rumours of candidates are beginning to be heard, preparatory to the general election. The Cable Conference will meet in Sydney about the 22nd of this month. There are now two prisoners awaiting trial for murder—a man named Windrum, for killing a woman at Sandhurst; and Hastings, for the murder of his wife at Mornington.