Australian News.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 19, 23 March 1870, Page 7

Australian News.

An old resident of Barker, Victoria, has, through the death of a relative, just come into th 6 possession of property at homo with a rent roll, it is reported, amounting to £30,000 per annum (writes the Greenville Advocate ), and to meet the expense of the voyage a cheque for £3OO was received by him by the last mail; the wife also received a cheque for a handsome sum by the same mail, and on Thursday evening she was rather jolly over it in the main street, singing, “ We won’t go home till morning.” The family intend leaving next month. “What was the value of the boots stolen by the prisoner“’Twelve and sixpence, your worship." “ Six months imprisonment, with hard labour.” And so the unfortunate, hungry wretch was carried off to durance vile. “ What is the total amount of the insolvent’s liabilities 1” asks the placid commissioner. “ Only £1500,” responds the official asignee. “ Any creditors oppose the certificate?” “.No your honor,” replies the official, with a satisfied smile. *' The assets merely covered the Court charges, and the creditors reside at Elysium Flat; the distance is too great for them to appear in opposition.” “ Certificate granted,” remarks the commissioner. “Thank your honor,” drawls the newly white-washed, and saunters to the nearest hotel, where, over half-a dozen No 2, he imparts to one or two of his boon companions his projects for re-starting business on a more extensive scale than hitherto. ■‘And thus,” observes the Ararat Advertiser, from which we have quoted the foregoing, “ the world goes on. Petty larceny committed, let us charitably suppose, to save a family from starvation, is met with the stern frown of offended justice, and a bitter expiation must be made; while gigantic robberies, made in the broad light of day, are taken under the law’s protecting wing.” On Friday, 18th, a Chinaman went down an old shaft at Campbell’s Creek, (Victoria), and on exploring one of the drives discovered the remains of another Chinaman, completely dried up, and in a perfect state of preservation. John was so frightened by his discovery that he lay in bed till Sunday, when he gave information. The police (states the Mt. Alexander Mail) were sent for, and on their arrival they brought the body to the surface. An inquest was held, when a verdict of “ died of starvation” was returned; but a rider was added—- “ That the body being such a curiosity, the coroner be requested to ask the authorities if they would have it forwarded to Professor M‘Coy for the advancement of science.” The remains were on view at the Five Flags, and the landlord charged for admission in aid of the hospital. The Melbourne Daily Telegraph of the 23rd ult. says:—“A dastardly attempt 1 was made on Monday nigh;, to upset the three p.m. down-train from Melbourne to Echuca. The driver of the engine reported to Mr Manby, the station-master, that he had passed over some obstructions about two or three miles from Echuca. He proceeded back with the engine, and found three pieces of old fencing-rails placed on one line, within some thirty or forty yards of each other. They presented the appearance of having been struck by the guard iron of the engine. The driver also stated that he felt something shake his engine a few miles further down, nearer Thomson’s gate, and when they proceeded to the place they found that a sheep had been passed over and killed. During the day a telegram was received by the Commissioner of Railways, in which it was announced that the culprit had given himself up. He is supposed to bo insane.” In the last issue of the Launceston Times we find the following;—“ Information was given to the police on Thursday last that an old was man found in a dying state at the Malaffofl’. A trooper was sent to the spot, and found an old man named John Flood, apparently in a dying state, caused by age and want of food and drink, iiu was removed to Laudsborough, and brought before T. Harsrut, Esq,, J.P., who remanded him, so as to allow medical aid to be rendered to him. At first there was little hopes of saving his life, but ho is now a little better, and may bo well enough io be sent to Ararat to day. The poor old fellow /dates that he joined the British navy in 1809, and was on board the ship that took Napoleon to St. Helena. Ue was with Mitchell in the Australian explorations, and bears marks of severe wounds inflicted by the natives. He has lately been an inmate of the Benevolent Asylum, Melbourne, but left there in hopes of obtaining employment as a shepherd or hutkeeper. Such employment, however, is a thing of the past, as the fences and boundary riders have supplanted ; the old shepherds. Before leaving the • asylum his name was written twice on his : shirt, so that if he became exhausted and » died in the bush his remains might be rt- - cognised. Thoughtful kindness ! But »s i the old man is 78 years of age, why not - have kept him thero a few months longer ( i It must be cheaper than paying not only l the doctor’s fees, hut other expenses besides, hj and then having to send him, to Uo. niuial gaol t« duv”