LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2454, 28 December 1870, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika, December 27. The Rangitoto arrived from Melbourne to-day. She brings the New Zealand portion of the Suez mail. Melbourne, December 21, A motion has been tabled to restore the Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill to the Legislative Council Order Paper. Mr Harbin son has petitioned against the return of Mr Dobaon for Brighton. The Council is amending the Publicans Bill considerabty. The following are among the passengers per Rangitoto : —Mr and Mrs Carruthers, Sir Charles Clifford, abd the Hon. Dr Featherstone, who have just arrived from England. The Hon. Dillon Bell was also expected, but did not arrive. The University crews and cricketing teams are in lino order. A tine contest is expected. In the case of Smith v. Bowman, for assault, the Bench, after consideration, determinted to give the defendant the option of a fine, and fined him LlO and Li) 5s costs, or a month’s imprisonment. The Assembly are discussing the state of the defences. Extracts were read from Mr Verdon’s letters, to the effect that England would defend her Colonies in the event of war. Wright, the absconder from Melbourne, has returned from Hong Kong in custody. He has been remanded on a charge of embezzling L3OO from Bright Brothers, 3000 bags Bourbon sugars were sold yesterday. ' There hae been a fall in prices. Wheat sold to-day at 5s 9d; oats, 3s 5d to 3s Gel. Advices by the mail

are generally considered favorable j but there is no animation in the markets. The weather is splendid. The Californian mail has not arrived at Sydney yet, Sydney. Parliament lias adjourned till the 21 th of January, for the re-election of Ministers. The steamer Rosario has been docked for repairs. Mauritius sugars sold at LI advance. There is active speculation in teas. Arrived—John Williams, mission ship, from the South seas, and the Novelty from Auckland. Adelaide. Flax sold in London for L2 6s per cwt. The rise in wheat in London has had the effect of hardeniui prices in Adelaide. It is expected that the South Australian Parliament will prorogue before Christmas.