AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2257, 23 May 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[By Tbuesbaph.] [Per fl.s. Te Anau, at Bluff.] MELBOURNE, May 17. Mr Berry has sent to Captain Mandoville, the Torpedo Board’s report on the recent disaster, so as to give the latter an opportunity of replying. The Premier disapproves of certain points in the report, notably the statement that the late voyage of experiment was a mere pleasure trip. He intends providing, in the next estimates, a sum for new boilers, and the Oeberus will also fill up her complement of crew from the Naval reserve. When Captain Mandeville returns the report, with his comments, Mr Berry may likely refer it to the captain of the Finisterre, who recently gave evidence. Private advices from the Capo state that the young princes aboard the Bacchante serve strictly as midshipmen, no official surroundings or ceremony being permitted. It is doubtful, therefore, whether they can be publicly received at Melbourne. Secretary Odjers is seriously ill, but his medical advisors have hopes of ultimate recovery. Tho Hon. Clark, president of the Exhibition, formally presented Castella end Rowan with the Emperor of Germany’s prize. Among those present were representatives of other firms recommended for tho prize. Mr Todd, the Adelaide Postmaster-General, lately in consultation with Mr Langridgo on the question of the colonies entering into international union, has finally settled that Mr Jackson, the Melbourne deputy Postmaster, shall prepare a scheme under which it may be considered likely that all the Australasian Colonies would bo induced to join the union, SYDNEY, May 17. A representative from England has visited tho colony and obtained a number of local directors for a new company forming in Scotland, with a million capital, for investment in freehold and squatting properties. Ho returns to England next mail. Returns from a few places only are wanting to complete tho censnsjof New South Wales, which is expected to be about 750,000 ; Sydney, 130,000; suburbs, 121,000 ; country, 526 000 ; total, 750,000. News from Mount Browne diggings report heavy rains and considerable finds of gold, including a 16oz nugget. Tho Adelaide Customs returns for quarter to 31st March show—imports, 1,38-1,000 ; exports, 1,152,000. The former show an in-

crease of 44 000, the latter a decrease of 33,000. At the Wculejan Conference on the 12th, the Rev. Mr Walsford, the retiring president, in his address referred to the Tararua catastrophe in touching words. Steps being taken to open subscription lists on behalf of the families of Rovs. Armitage and Richardson, lost in her.