AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2367, 3 November 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tbibsbaph.J

[Per s.s. Albion, at the Bluff.] MELBOUENE, October 27.

The Europa sails this week with the largest shipment of meat yet sent from Australia. Some sensation has been caused by the apprehension on the Commodore's warrant of a bandsman belonging to the Bacchante after he had been discharged by Judge Higinbotham on the ground that the bandsman was not under the Discipline Act, and therefore not to be treated as a deserter.

Good rain has fallen throughout the oountry, but it is still about five inches below tbe average. Mr Bobert Hoddle, formerly SurveyorGeneral, diod aged seventy-eight. For the last twenty-eight years he had been in receipt of a pension of £IOOO. The Hospital Sunday collections generally were above the average. The weather was fine, and there were large attendances. The sum of £535 has been remittsd to Scotland in aid of the sufferers by the Shetland Islands disaster.

Strong disapproval is expressed out of doors at the report of the Polioe Commission. It is not expected that the Governor will give effect to the recommendations. The censures passed on some of the officers are considered unmerited. A meeting has been held at Wangaratta under the auspices of the Mayor to protest against the proposed reduction of Sergeant Steele, who distinguished himself at the capture of Ned Kelly. The political situation is being somewhat complicated by Mr Bamsay's motion in reference to the Eduoation Commission. Sir B. O'Loghlen met the objections by stating that he asked Judge Higinbotham to act as chairman, Mr Ormond having given way. Ho also proposed adding further names to the commission. Mr Ramsay, while disclaiming any desire to embarrass tho Government, said that his simple wish was to maintain the integrity of the Education Act. He disapproved of the one-sided charaoter of the religious views of the commissioners, but bis piincipal contention was that a question of publio policy ought not to be referred to commissioners of any kind. He wished to submit his motion in an amended form, but Sir J. O'Shanassy objected. Sir B. O'Loghlen insisted that the Government had done no more than carry out the proposal approved of by the oountry and endorsed by the House. He would regard the amended motion as tantamount to a vote of want of confidence. The debate was continued last night, Sir J. O'Shanassy Bnd Mr Berry making the principal speeches. It was finally adjourned. Sir B. O'Loghlen refusing to take other business until tbe motion was disposed of. Little doubt exists that the Government have a Bubstantial majority, constitutional members generally being averse to a change of Ministry at the present time. The position of the Cabinet however is sensibly weakened by the proceedings of the past few days. The case of Thorpe, teller of the Bank of Victoria, excited much interest. He positively deolined to give up the interest aoorued from his investment of the Bank's money. He denies being concerned with the recent robbery of notes, but believes that he has been arrested on that charge. Thorpe's salary was formerly £550 a year, but it had been gradually reduced to £3OO. It was to recoup himself with the interest that he deposited the money taken. The case was heard at the police court yesterday, before a full Benoh, and the court was orowded. The principal evidence was given by Mr Matheson, general manager,who testified to Thorpe having endeavored to exculpate himself by asserting that Mr Shann, the manager in Mr Matheson's absence, took £395, depositing a oheque, which remained in Thorpe's possession for eighteen months. Thorpe asserted, also, that Mr Shann took another sum of £297, which he represented by a oheque until a recent date before or after the robbery of the notes. Mr Matheson declared that Mr Shann had authority to take two or three months' salary in advance, but to make the matter regular it should have come before the Board. He had not himself made inquiries as to the truth of Thorpe's assertions. Finally Thorpe wus oommitted to stand his trial.

Nothing farther has been heard o£ the missing steamer Balclutha, and the gravest fears are entertained for the safety of the vessel. Sbe had 300 tons of Milestone on board. It is expected that the cargo shifted during last week's gale and the vessel foundered with all hands. Steamers have been despatched from Sydney and Melbourne to search the coast. Nothing has been heard of her since Friday last, when she was sighted by the Oity of Adelaide. SYDNEY, Ootober27.

Tbe Richmond from Melbourne to Sydney encountered the full force of the gale. Captain Tucker was washed overboard, and it was impossible to save him.

Fresh cases of smallpox have been reported, principally from Pyrmont. The authorities appear to have considerable difficulty in stamping out the disease. Sir James Martin is suffering from illhealth.

ADELAIDE, Ootober 27.

A special meeting of the Synod is convened for November Bth, to receive the resignation of Bishop Short. Ebenezer Ward created a scene in the Assembly on tho night of the 25th by declining to withdraw objectionable expressions, and was removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms, after being named by the Speaker. The following day he withdrew and apologised. BRISBANE, October 27. General Fielding's Trans-continental Railway Survey Party are satisfied so far with the oountry traversed. Heavy rain has fallen over the oolony. At Stanthorpe 3iins fell in four hours.

Mrs Watson and two children are supposed to have been murdered by Natives at Lizard Island during the absence of her husband.