TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1296, 15 May 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

CABL E_ NEW S. AUSTRALIAN. SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE. [from our own correspondent.] Sydney, May 15. The Torres Straits mail has arrived at Cooktown, having on board a party of Chinese for New Zealand. She brings news to the effect that in a cyclone eight thousand Chinese were killed and drowned. The crew of the Alexandra barely escaped. The Suez mail has arrived at Albany. Passenger for Lyttelton—Captain Toswcll. [beutee’s special telegrams to the press AGENCY.] Sydney, May 15. Arrived —Siam, at King George’s Sound. Passenger for Lyttelton—Captain Oswell. Sailed—Garonne.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. [Per Alhambra, via Bluff.] Melbourne, May 9. Political matters continue quiet. Mr Berry at a meeting of the Reform League stated that a Reform Bill would be the only measure introduced next session. A dissolution appears inevitable, but only after the Bill has passed the Assembly. Mr Francis, who is a candidate for the Warrnambool seal., will be opposed by a nominee of the Reform League. On Friday night a complimentary banquet was given to Mr Francis, when he stated he had come forward for West Melbourne as a living protest against tho act of the Ministry on the Br.li of January. The Cable Conference is sitting to-day. All the colonies except Western Australia are represented. New Zealand sends no delegates but forwards a written view.

The Agent-Generalship becomes vacant, next year. It is unlikely that. Mr Michie will be re-appointed. Sir Bryan O’Loghlin is mentioned, as well as Sir Garin Duffy. The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded with under the superinlenoe of of Colonel Seratehloy. A movement hat been initiated amongst the Reform League Club jjior the annexation of New Guinea to Victoria and the formation of an association for its colonisation. The scheme is regarded as chimerical. Some tolerably good observations of the transit of Mercury were taken on Tuesday. The Presbyterian Assembly yesterday almost unanimously supported the singing of anthems in tho Collins street Scotch Church. A few failures have occurred, the prineipd pjae being Brodie, Condor, and Co., drapers 5

liabilities £38,000, deficiency £13,000. A fair amount of business is doing in the markets. Sydney. The Council having rejected the Electoral Bill, the Government intend proroguing shortly for a brief rece-s, and then they will introduce a more comprehensive measure. The opening of the Museum and Library on Sundays has proved highly satisfactory. There has been a very large attendance. The Government have agreed to the establishment of “ Hansard.” The Privileges of Parliament Bill, which has been introduced, will contain a provision for dealing with unruly members, .Adelaide. The Parliament meets on the 13th, Frank Carroll was proved to have been convicted both in Melbourne and Sydney, and has resigned his scat. INTERPEOYINOIAL [PEB PBESB AGENCY.] Wellington, May 15. The “ Now Zealand Times” calls attention to the fact that of late certain public works advertisements have been withheld from it, though given to other local papers, and it. publishes about half a column of Government advertisements this morning under the heading—“ Gratis advertisements.” Dunedin, May 15.

At a meeting of the Otago Institute last night, Mr G. W. Purnell read a paper advocating that New Zealand and Australian Colonies should co-operate to fit out an Antartic exploring expedition. It scarcely led to any discussion, and it was pointed out that while but little advantage could uo expected from su:h an undertaking, there wei’e several difficulties to prevent its success. A house belonging to Mr Wilson of the Wellpark Brewery was destroyed by fire this morning. At a public meeting last night it was resolved to establish in Dunedin an institution having for its object the mental and moral advancement of those who are disinclined to take part in any sectarian association. In a letter to the “Daily Times” this morning, Messrs Proudfoot and McKay attribute the delay in the Clinton contract to the Government not having supplied locomotives and trucks according to specifications. They have written to the Minister of Public Works informing him that they will suspend work on the contract in a week from the 7th inst., unless the conditions be complied with.