AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1566, 10 April 1874, Page 178

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

MELBOURNE, '.. '.!"*' 31st March. Esoape and Landing of Communist Prisoners.—lntelligence was received oa Friday evening last* that six of the principal Communist prisoners had escaped from New Caledonia, and landed at Newcastle., Their names are Henri Rochefort, Pascal Grousset, ex-Minister of foreign affairs, M. Jourde ? late Minister of Finance, Olliver Pain, ex-Secre-tary of foreign affai;S. M.Ballier, ex-aide-de. camp to General Hossell, and M. Hillier, exCommandant of the National Guard, all of whom oocupied their several positions udder the government of the Commune. ' They have arrived at Sydney, but how they contrived at escape, and all other particulars remain a mystery at present. They are very reserved, and will give no information for fear of implicating the friends Who aided them in their escape. There" is mrdoubt that the whole plot wa§ ; a well planned affair. Being on British soil, of course, they are safe as political refugees. The Elections for the first batch of twenty-four members, resulted in a majority against the Government on the constitutional question; four new members hare been returned, four others were previously in the House, and others hare been re-elected. Judge Williams has sent in his resignation, and claims a pension of £1,500 a year, being half his salary. It is rumored that the Attorney-General Stephen, will bo elevated to the Bench, but it is doubtful, as a retirement at the present time would complicate the Ministry. ■ George Buchart has been admitted to the lunatic asylum as insane. Governor Du Cane is a passenger on board the Alhambra, on his way to visit Sir James Fergusson. ,■ .: ■ • >. Sichel, a member oi: the firm of Joshua Brothers, merchants, is opposing the Treasurer as a staunch free-trader.

The English Eleven bare finally left for England in the Nubia. Previous to leaving, Grace entered into arrangements, and played a match in Adelaide, although he had given hie word of honor not to break the agreement entered into with the Moonta association. This last act of his has disgusted even his closest friends and best admirers. There have been very heavy rains for the last few days, which are likely to spoil the vintage ; otherwise they are beneficial. Commercial—-Business is dull; a little wheat is offering at 6/6 to 6/7; oats are very saleable, feeding at 5/4 to 5/6 ; milling at 6/8 to 5/9; sugar is in moderate request | the cargo of the Medusa changed hands, one line at full rates; good business in teas.. The Sydney Assembly has passed the estimates ; it is not likely to be prorogued before the end of April, it will meet again in September. ' f The Council rejected the report of the Committee, to make the Upper House elective. The Admiralty Court ordered the surrender of the Ansora as illegally seized. Fitz-Yattendeu is looked upon as almost certain to win the Leger. The Catholic Bishop Quinn, of Bathurst* leaves for Europe next month. A barmaid named Desmond, has committed suicide at Forbes with strychnine. The new opera house is to be built on the joint stock principle in Elizabeth-street. Reports from Adelaide state that the general wheat average is 20,000 tons less than expected. A reception is to be given to Major Warburton on his return to Perth,