AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1944, 18 May 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Br Telbobaph.] LPer Wakatipn.] STD.NET, May 12. During yesterday's gale the ketch Seabird capsized off Bird Island coast, near Newcastle. One seaman was drowned, and two seamen and the master were rescued by passing steamers. Diphtheria is prevah-nt at iiyleston, and there have been thirteen deaths. The Assembly has carried a motion, moved by a private member, affirming that it is undesirable that grants of land for church building or religious purposes be continued for the future. The Ministers voted against the resolution. The Irish relief fund has now reached twentyeight thousand pounds. VICTORIA. Owing to the Newcastle strike, the scarcity of coal in Melbourne almost amounts to a famine. The stocks are so low ttat contracts have to be suspended, and the gas companies are short. A large meeting was held at the Town Hall on the Chinese question, and to protest against the action of the Exhibition Commissioners in reversing the decision to restrict the chair contract to articles made by European workmen. Three thousand persons were present, including Messrs Berry, Wo-da, Vale and other members. Eeeolutions were passed appointing vigilance committees throughout the electorates and for the purpose of taking further action. Allison, an employea at the 1 heatre BoyaJ, is dyit g from tetanus, owing to a trifling wound in the thumb from the wadding of a pistol fired on the stage. Steps are being t*ken to erect a monument to Bateman, the founder of the colony, and also to Bates, the actor. The new Exchange is well supported. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Thf totalisator went wrong last race meeting. One machine the firßt day registered only seventy pounds received, instead of five hundred. On the second day all the totals were disconnected, and an incorrect dividend was issued, the machine registering only one hundred and thirty-six pounds for the winner, whereas more than ahundred and Beventy-four tickets had been issued. At the Morpethville races the derangement of the instrument caused a mistake costing the club a hundred and fifty pounds.