AUSTRALIA.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 330, 30 January 1871, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY,

January 15. —During a thunderstorm at Bathurst on Friday, the lightning struck a house near the town and kmed a father and his two sons. —The schooners Fox and Walrus, timber laden, have been totally wrecked at tho bar of the Richmond River. The crews were saved.—Tho French Government have chartered the steamer Havilah to run as a mail boat to New Caledonia.

January 16. —The General Assurance Company have declared a dividend at the rale of ten per cent. per annum. The Exchange Company have declared no dividend for the past half-year.— A severe storm bus partially destroyed the lighthouse on Lady Elliot Island, and the light is now shown eighteen feet below its former height, and will bo exhibited until the repairs are completed.—The thoroughbred horse New Warrior died suddenly to-day.— The market for sugars has advanced, and a good deal has been purchased on speculation, but the bulk of stocks is held by the Sugar Company.—The William Turner, from Neiv York, brings a general cargo of American goods, 5600 cases kerosene, and 118 packages of tobacco.

January 17. —Some rich discoveries of lead and silver are reported to have been discovered in the Jingera Mountains. —Mr. Charles Matthews w;is enthusiastically welcomed last night, on tho occasion of the first night of his farewell performances.—The sum of £2250 has been already subscribed to the Eobertson Testimonial Fund. —The mail news is considered satisfactory. January 18 -The Government intend proceeding with the harbour defences according to the plans originally adopted, notwithstanding the pacific tone of the European news brought by the present mail. The actual deficit in the year's revenue is found tobo only £86,000, and not £150,000, as previously reported. The Treasurer's statement anticipated a deficit of £10,000. The Customs revenue for the past mouth shows a small increase.—The mail news has checked tho upward tendency of breadstnfTs, aud holders are more anxious to sell.—A small portion of the Victory's teas were sold by auction to-day at up to 13 9_—- Honolulu sugars sold at £37 ss.—Tho Mary Edith has brought a cargo of GOO tons of sugar.—The wool sales to-day were firmer, and sheepskins realised slightly higher prices.—The ship Patriarch, from London, brings 12 members of tho French Catholic mission.