ADELAIDE.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 479, 24 July 1871, Page 3

ADELAIDE.

July B.—The Gulnare has arrived unexpectedly from the Northern Territory, and brings back Mr. M'Minn and some eighty men, mostly of the contractors' party engnged in the construction of the overland telegraph. Owing to the non-arrival of the Mary Elizabeth with supplies, they were obliged to leave the Roper. Mr. M'Minn reports to the Government that in consequence of the inability of Messrs. Darwent and Dnlwood, the contractors, to proceed with their contract for the construction of the overland telegraph on account of inefficient means, and theie being no prospect of adequate reinforcement, he, on May 3, declared the contract void, and took possession of the plant, works, stock, &o. Thirty-six hands remain at Port Darwin under Mr. Burton, to carry on the works as far as possible. Mr. M'Minn accuses the contractors' agent of misrepresentation in telegrams sent via Norniauton us to the quantity of work done. Ho further slates that, with energetic action, the works can be finished within the stipulated lime.—Gale made a moit successful balloon ascent this afternoon. Mr. Lazar was a pas.sengor. The weather was very favorable. The balloon went towards Q-unicracha.

July 10. —The Northern Territory news has caused great excitement. Messrs. Dalwood and Darwent, tlie telegraph contractors, bare written to tbe papers complaining bitterlj of the way in which they have been treated by the Government overseer at Port Darwin, and denying that their party wns inefficient. Legal proceedings are said to have been initiated for tho recovery of the contract money.—The Government have decided to send a steamer to tho Northern Territory. A vessel is also to go from the east coast with stock sufficient for transport work. The Bengal and Gulnare are to start with stores as soon as possible. It is stated that 40 or 5q tennis must be sent to enablo the work to be carried out. —Tho Government have received a despatch from the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales intimating tbat his Government has no objection to (he mail steamers calling at Glenelg, providing there is no greater loss of time than »t present.— T* Silk Association have planted about 3000 ir^es, and Abyssinian tube wells are to be ,{*™jd for irrigation purposes.—Gale's balloon Sscended to a height of two miles on Saturday afternoon, and came down safely close to the reservoir.

July 11.—The Mercantile Marine Insurance Company's balance-sheet show 3 a profit of £14,000.

July 12.—Some sugar cnnos grown in tho Northern Territory, have been brought down by the Gulnare. They measure 15 feet in length.—Telegraphic communication ia now open with Beltuna, 15 miles north of Port Augusta. —The corn market lias a downward tendency; sales of wheut are reported ntss 9id. July li.—The publicans and brewers arc combining to raise tho price of colonial beer, more especially with regard to out-door consumption.—The wheat market 13 weaker; Bales are reported at s*. Bd. to sa. B£d. • July 15. —Jung has been committed for trial for the murder of Garroway, thp bailiff; he has made a full confession, from which it would appear that Garroway gave him great proTOcation.—An exploiion of powder took

place at Euka Mines, by which Captain Lord is likely to lose his eyesight.—Wheat is quiet; sales havo been made at 6s. 81«1.