AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2503, 15 April 1882, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

[Per s.B. Alhambra, at Port Chalmers.] MELBOURNE, April 8. As the outcome of evidence taken on the recent Board,Sit is stated that va change will shortly be made in the Eugineer-in-Ohief’s Department of Bail ways, and that Mr Elsdon will retire and be replaced by Mr Watson, who formerly held the office. The department is said to be in a state of disorganisation.

The weather was fine for the holidays. The Volunteers are encamped'at Dandenong and Queensoliff, where a course of instruction is gone through. The Government has decided there are no grounds upon which to release Mr Thorpe, the Bank of Victoria defaulter. The Leura hence to Sydney encountsred a terrific gale and the voyage occupied four days. The delay caused some apprehension. James Dixon, tanner, has failed, showing a deficiency of £12,000. SYDNEY, April 8. On the 6th extraordinary heavy rain fell, and no lees than nearly six inches were registered in Sydney, of which nearly two inches fell in half an hour. The rain fell in torrents. The low lying portions were speedily inundated. Parramatta street was converted into a river. Storm waters were dammed up in the streets. Shops were flooded, and traffic partly suspended. The water in tome places was knee deep. Some of the tramways stopped running, Belmore Park was converted into a lake, and the torrent on the Handwick road was terrific. ADELAIDE, April 8. The University was opened on the 6th with some ceremony by the Governor. Bix decrees were conferred by Yioa-Ohancellor Way.