AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2252, 17 May 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[By Telegraph.] [Per s.s. Eotorua, at Russell.] SYDNEY, May 13. The “ Bulletin ” libel case commenced on the sth inst. Fifteen witnesses were called for plaintiff. Plaintiff’s case closed on the Sth. The defendant’s commenced on tho 6th, and has continued daily since. Twenty-one witnesses have been called up to the proeont time, and it is understood that many are yet to follow. The case is exciting much attention, and the Court is crowded. The case arose through the “ Bulletin " inserting articles alleging gross disorder at Olontarf lust Boxing Day. . A private telegram was received at Sydney on tho Sth, stating that tho s.s. Port Breton, one of the vessels chartered by tho Marquis Do Rays, for convoying immigrants to New Ireland, has arrived at Singapore, and that the marquis is on board with six hundred immigrants. The population of tho city and suburbs is 223,133. Tho city alone numbers 102,803. Tho population of tho city in 1861 was 56,394-; in 1871 it was 86,159 ; being an increase during ten years of 29,765. The increase between 1871 and 1881 has been 16,643. Coaches aro arriving at Toinora, crammed with passengers. Many Now Zealanders are arriving. Heavy rain fell on Saturday, and continued during Sunday, filling the dams. A rough estimate of the supply gives 30,000 as the number of loads to bo washed. A great impetus has been given to mining operations in this field. MELBOURNE, May 12. A telegram from tho Agent-General states that tho Board of Trade advises that tho Ferret, alias India, be detained. Tenders aro being called for four lines of railway. Tho Governor received no official intimation of tho visit of tho Detached Squadron. Tho Princes being midshipmen, tho Admiral was consulted before any entertainments could bo tendered to tho Princes. Addresses of welcome have been presented at Government House. The Legislative Council have finally dealt ■with the Reform Bill. Sir Ohus. Sladon has given a resume of tbs amendments, and it is hoped they may bo found acceptable by the Assembly. The country now hopes for a settlement of the question. The Chief Secretary declined to appoint a Commission to inquire into the cause of the decrease of population, as shown by tho census. HOBART, May 12. The census shows the population to be 116,000, an increase of 16,000. ADELAIDE, Moy 12. The census, giving the population as 150,000, shows a falling off in the wholo'Jdiatriot, except in the centres of population. BRISBANE, May 12. At the Nebo rush tho population is 300, and increasing. All tho men working are getting gold. Several nuggets have been found. Mr Grealey Lukin has submitted to Government a railway project to connect Brisbane with Sydney and Adelaide, through a land grant system by private capitalists. A successful banquet at Oooktown was given to tho Governor on Friday.