AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2693, 24 November 1882, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

[Per steamer at Wellington.] SYDNEY, November 18. The defeat of the Government last Thursday night on the second reading of the Land Bill was an unexpected event, and took everybody by surprise. It was expected that the debate would have been continued through the week, as a number of speakers intended to address the House, and many members wore absent, but the Opposition seeing their opportunity forced on a division, with the result that they obtained a majority of ten. There was great excitement, and the Speaker was compelled to call the House to order. Sir H. Parkes immediately moved the adjournment, and next day had an interview with the Governor at his country residence. Moss Yale. The inquest on the bodies of those drowned in the Austral still continues, and the evidence of several witnesses was taken, including that of the captain and stevedore engaged in coaling the vessel. It transpired that whilst coaling alongside the Circular Quay the Austral was nearly on her beam ends, and was removed out to Neutral Bay in order that she might be coaled on both sides. Captain Murdoch stated that he could in no way account for the accident. While lying out in the stream she had fifteen of her ports open on the starboard side. Divers are engaged at the wreck every day, and arrangements are being made for xmmping the vessel out preparatory to lifting the boat. This must of necessity be a work of time. The strike of wharf labourers has caused a considerable amount of inconvenience, especially to the Orient and P. and O. Companies, whose boats are delayed sailing in consequence. Three candidates are nominated for Gundagai in the room of the late W. Forster. They arc Messrs Barbour, Wallace, and Bruce. The South Ironworks strike, at Hudson Bros., which extended over a period of ten weeks, has terminated, the men accepting piecework. The weather has been warm, with occasional slight rain. The sufferers by the Bathurst railway accident are progressing favourably. The result of the inquiry has been that four officials have been suspended. The rolling stock was only damaged slightly. The Melbourne Pilot Board enquiry into the collision of the steamer Docima and the barque Alcester resulted in showing that it was purely an accident. A severe shook of earthquake was reported at Wood’s Point on Thursday morning, and it is stated to bo the heaviest ever felt in the district. It caused considerable alarm to the residents. Mr Ellery, Government astronomer, reports that a very violent magnetic storm is in progress, concurrent with the appearance of one of the largest spots seen on the sun for a long time. The spot is seen distinctly with the naked eye at sunset. Sir W. J. Clarke became the purchaser of the Cobran estate, Murrumbidgee, at ' £300,000. The action of the Government in dividing the Loans Conversion Bill into three parts has given general satisfaction. At the instance of the Navigation Board, prompt measures will bo taken to prevent the overcrowding of excursion steamers H.M.S. Nelson xn'oeoeds to Adelaide on the 28th. ADELAIDE, November 18.

The wharf laborers have struck for an advance of wages from 10s to 12s for ten hours. In both Houses of Parliament resolutions were passed in favor of holding an exhibition in 1880. It is expected to be carried out handsomely for £IOO,OOO.