LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2375, 8 April 1884, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. WAIRARAPA AND ADELAIDE COLLISION INQUIRY. HEAVY FALL OF RAIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES. BISHOP BARRY’S FIRST SERMON. HAWKESBURY RACE CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING. (Received April 7, 10.15 p.m.) Melbourne, April 7. During the examination at the Ade-laide-Wairarapa inquiry, Turnbull, the Adelaide agent, testified that no arrangent was made for a race between the two vessels. He stated, - however, that he visited the Wairarapa on the previous day, when David Mills, the Union Company’s agent, jokingly suggested to the engineer that he should show the Adelaide a clean pair of heels on the trip down the bay. It was consequently decided to delay the departure of the Adelaide in order to avoid the race, and the subsequent starting together was accidental. Captain Lockyer, of the Adelaide, testified that on arriving at Williamstown, the pilot on board the Wairarapa shouted from the bow that they were waiting for the Adelaide, and he replied “All right!” The Wairarapa then whistled, and the Adelaide did the same, and went full speed ahead. Turnbull and Lockyer both deposed to bad steering on board the Wairarapa. (Received April 8, 1 a.m.) The Adelaide and Wairarapa inquiry was continued to-day. Popham, the chief officer of the Wairarapa, stated that the Wairarapa did not wait for the Adelaide. He declared that the Wairarapa steered splendidly and kept a straight course, and that the Adelaide yawed about. . His evidence was corroborated by the third mate, Anderson. (Received April 7, 12.50 p.m.) Sydney, April 7. Heavy rain has fallen pretty generally throughout the colony and empty drains have been replenished. The downpour in Sydney has been exceptionally heavy, fully 10 inches having been recorded since the 4th. Parts of the city are flooded and some danger resulted. An intermittent supply of water to the city and suburbs is now being worked. Bishop Barry preached at the Anglican Cathedral yesterday. The sermon was a most eloquent one. He made special reference to the late Prince Leopold.

At the Hawkesbury Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting on Saturday, the Handicap was won by Empress, with Phyllis second, and Sardonyx third. Twelve horses started. Empress, the favourite, won easily. The Maiden Plate was won by Bargo. Arrived, last night, the Union steamsteamship Tarawera, from Auckland. The recent heavy rainfall continues, but is principally confined to the Coast districts.