AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 228, 2 August 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[By Tbubgbaph.J

[Per s.s. Te Anau, at the Bit®.]

MELBOURNE, July 27.

The trial of Henderson, Wright, and Wallace for the Fsrrett frauds concluded on the 21st, when the prisoners were acquitted from the charge of defrauding the Highland railway, but convicted of defrauding intending purchasers and attempting to deceive the Commissioner of Customs. Mr Justice Williams occupied two hours in summing up, and the jury took over an hour to deliberate on their verdict. On being brought up for sentence, Henderson made a clever speech, denying the conspiracy to sell, and maintaining that the ship was hired to run the blockade for the Peruvian Government. Application wcs made that £6OO found with Mrs Henderson should be restored to her. Tne Judge took time to consider the matter, and yesterday gave an order to hand the money over. It is doubtful, however, whether Mrs Henderson can retain the funds, as the Sheriff’s Officer is about to levy on it under a judgment against Henderson. Mr Dobson, who >as returned unopposed for South Province, now intimates that on the approaching resignation of Mr W. J. Clarke, he will offer himself for the scat vacated by that gentleman. The Italian warship Europa, which has remained in Melbourne nearly a year, is about to leave for Europe. SYDNEY, July 27. Tho Ocean was relieved from quarantine on the 22nd, on condition that the ship should be thoroughly fumigated, and certain portions of clothing destroyed. Fears are entertained for the safety of the brig Firefly, which left the Bluff for Sydney on May 30th, and is still unheard of. The Australian Joint Stock Bank profits for the half year amounted to £34,000. A dividend of ten per cent, aud a bonus of two and a half per cent, were declared, and £3OOO added to the reserve fund. A rich gold reef has been discovered at Nana, forty miles from Grafton. Numbers of people are already proceeding to the place. ADELAIDE, July 27. The opening ceremony of the Exhibition on the 21st was highly successful. The day wag proclaimed a holiday, and the streets were thronged with people. The fine arts gallery inside tho building had been previously decorated for the vice regal party, and shortly before twelve the Governor was received at the gates by a guard of honor of Volunteers, nearly 12,000 people being inside the building. M. Joubert road the address to the Governor, detailing the progress of the undertaking. Sir W. Jervois, in replying, congratulated the promoters on the success attained, and wished the affair every success. M. Joubert then gave the Governor the first gold medal struck in the building, for presentation to the Queen. A cantata, composed by M. Meilhan, was then performed by the choir and orchestra, and a march by the same composer concluded the opening ceremony. The general public wore then admitted, and during tho day 17,000 persons passed the gates. Part of tho evidence has been taken in the Sarah Bell mutiny, but nothing hss been allowed to transpire regarding the details of the case. The case was further proceeded with yesterday, when the captain’s case concluded. One of the seamen has been discharged, and a decision in the case of the others deferred. Tho hearing of tho cross cases was likewise adjourned. The Rav. John Davidson, Professor of English Literature at the Adelaide University, died suddenly on the 22nd. BRISBANE, July 27,

Three children in South Brisbane bare been found suffering from a mild attack of small-pox, and have been placed on board the floating hoepi'al in the river. It has transpired that a young man from Sydney lately lodged ki the same house. Mr Hemmaut, the original petitioner in tho steel rails case, addressed a crowded meetit g on tho 23rd and condemned tho report of the Commission. A vote of thanke to Mr Hemmant was carried. Mr Hemmant has since left for Europe. Mr McOalaater, Agent-General, has been granted six months’ leave. Mr Thomas [Archer, who was appointed ad interim, sailed on the 25th for London.