AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1574, 6 March 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[PEE PBKBS AGENCY.]

Departure of Sir G- Bowen.

Reception of Lord Normanby. Sir B. O'Loughlan's Vagaries.

Bushranging. The following news has been received per Arawata via the Bluff :

Melbourne

The principil events of the past week have been the departure of Sir Geo. Bawen and the arrival of i ord Normanby. Sir George left by the mail steamer on Saturday last, and a very large crowd witnessed his departure. The trades had resolved to do hitn honor, and turned out in force. They presented an address at the railway station, and Sir Georee in returning thank-, fairly broke down. There was a great crowd on board the steamer, and all the hono;s were paid tothe departing Governor. Lord Normanby arrived ou Thursday afternoon in the Ringarooma after a rough passage. At the b cads the barge of the Government sloop Victoria was sent alongside, and his Excellency was transferred from the Victoria to the Bingarooma in which he, in the company of his Ministers, arrived in the bay about half-past seven in the evening, He was received with salutes from the Kelson, and, on landing at Sandridge, received by a crowd numbering about 10,000 persons. He was escorted by a squadron of light horse, and at once driven to Government House, and then sworn in by the Chief Justice, the fact being made known by salutes of artillery. Lord Normanby stood the voyage well, but Lady Normanby mffered a goo i deal, and was never out of her cabin. The reoption was most cordial, and indeed enthusiastic. The result of the West Bourke election has not given satisfaction, owing to the polling at Newham not having been completed. The returning officer has made the return to the writ, declaring that Mr Deacon is elected, so that there is no other remedy for Mr Harper but to aupo4 to the electors and qualifications committee. A petition from the Newham electors has been prepared for presentation to the Governor, but it is difficult to see how he can interfere after the return of the list and endorsement that declares the election completed. Sir Bryan O'Loughlaa, the Acting _ Chief Secretary, has issued an official notice in the Government " Gazette," warning persons no, to believe the news furnished by the " Argus" in regard to political matters. The following day he himself brought to the " Argus" office an official notification in his own handwriting and - ddrcssfid to the editor of the " Argus" from the Acting Chief Secretary Tee a-tion of Sir Bryan in connection with this business is generally condemned. Four bushrangers, imitating the Kellys, re cently started at Halfield, near Balranald, New South Wales, but their career was only of short duration. I hey stuck up a store and bailed up the inhabitants in outlawry fashion, but when the police started in pursuit they soon gave in, but not before shots were exchanged and one constable slightly wounded. All four bushrangers are now in custody. The weather has been pleasant, but no rain has fallen. It is very disastrous for the crops and the pastoral interest. Business continues very dull, with little sign of improvement. The bush fires not only in this but in adjacent colonies have proved most disastrous, and farmers in portions of South Australia and in Victoria are petitioning Government for a postponement of payment of rent on their selections. The money market is very tight, and and banks are cautious in making advances. Amusements are dull, but all places continue open.