AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1389, 15 March 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, March 3. The Bishop of Sydney sails on the 10th for England. In the Assembly Mr Coombs intends, instead of moving his proposed motion, to call attention to the massacres in the

South Sea Islands, to move the adoption of a petition to the Queen, asking for an inquiry into the working of the High Commissioner's Court, and that the Government be requested to forward the same. At Cook, on Thursday, while a flock of 5000 sheep were camped, a flash of lightning made a lane through them, killing 800. At Bathurst a man named Pearce was listening outside a Chinese gambling house, when several Chinamen came out, struck him on the head with sticks, and stabbed him in the arm. One arrest has been made. At Hillend four men were charged with cutting and wounding a Chinese gardener. They were each fined £5, or two months' imprisonment. Th? fines were paid. At Greenfell a man named Peter Dogger, charged with abducting two young girls named Henrietta Condy and Edith Cullen, was committed for trial on the first charge. The second -was adjourned. Blayney's Death's paddock on King's Plains has been opened for gold-mining, aud it was reported on Tuesday that already between 400 and 500 persons were on the ground. Several parties are actively engaged in sinking, while others are awaiting the result of the work before operating. The place at present has a busy appearance, and is quite a town. At Temora the Mount Browne excitement is at its height, and people appear going "cranky." The Herald office is besieged by miners awaiting the latest news. Carts and every description of vehicles are loading for Wilcannia, and the banks are kept busy making drafts for diggers. Many say they will come back when rain sets in, and are leaving men to watch their interests at Wilcannia. A telegram from Temora states that 600 miners have left for Mount Browne by waggons, horses, and on foot, while fourteen horse waggons are advertised. This is a sorry lookout for those at the diggings should they run short of water. The general belief appears to be that a quartz reef will be discovered extending miles from the present rush, and experienced diggers pronouuce the country like the Palmer diggings in Queensland. Melbourne, March 3. The Lenten Pastoral of the Catholic Archbishop was read in the churches on Sunday. It reiterates the protest against the continued operation of the purely secular system of education, and reference is made to the self-denying efforts of the Catholic body to maintain separate schools where found practicable. Government intend adopting Captain Raymond's method for exterminating rabbits by using phosphorised oats. The Presbyterian Assembly proceeded with the case of the Rev. Mr Strong, of Collins street Church, in reference to his articles in the October number of the Victorian Review on the subject of the atonement. The matter was submitted by Mr Macchum, who said the article had caused serious uneasiness to 'many Ministers and members of the Church. An opportunity is to be given Mr Strong for explanation. Mr Strong said he could not reply, as he was unable to learn the charges against him. He asserted that the action of the Assembly was irregular. After a long discussion a Committee was appointed to examiue the article complained of. Dr. Featherstone has been elected a member of the University Council, in room of Mr Barry. A presentation of one thousand and seventy sovereigns was made to Bishop O'Connor on Tuesday at a large gathering of the Catholic clergy and laity of the diocese. In the address in reply strong references are made to the education question. The Peshawur took gold and specie to the value of £163,080, and a large passenger list. A great crowd witnessed her departure. A steamer was engaged to take Mr Service's friends to accompany the Peshawur down the bay. Wool growers who intend to exhibit at the Crystal Palace desire an extention of time for receiving exhibits. Adelaide, March 3. The railway revenue this week shows an increase of £IO,OOO over the corresponding week of last year. Several race horses have been shipped for Sydney. Grand Flaneur remains in South Australia. The resignation of Judge Gwynne was accepted by the Governor on Monday. A section of the Port Adelaide Wesleyan Circuit has seceded, because the Conference has appointed two ministers to the circuit when it had been resolved that only one was necessary. The se-

coders intend to found a lay Methodisfi Church without expense and without payment of minister*. They assert t*j£ ministers cannot do the good needed, because the machinery is too cumbersome and expensive^ The fuud in aid of M'Carthy, whose family was burnt in December, amount* to £760. Brisbane, March 3. At a meeting of the Brisbane tramway Committee on. Wednesday it was resolved to form a Company with 12,000 shares of £b each, and a deputation was appointed to wait on the Ma\ or and obtain his assent. •< ; ■ ' , At the first ordinary meeting of the.: Central Queensland Meat Export' Ofcrtm pany it was decided to purchase the Lakes Creek works for £12,500 catrti: The works are now boiling down cattle*