LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2893, 13 January 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. *-•-*—■ STRIKE AMONGST THE FLOUR MILLERS. ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY AT COLLINGWOOD. A MRS. RAVENSCROFT SHOT DEAD. STEAMSHIP MOVEMENTS. (Received January 12, 2.45 p.m. Melbourne, January 12. The dispute between the men employed in the flour mills and the masters still remains unsettled. The man are willing to agree to a reduction tion of 10 per cent, on all wages above £2 per week, on condition that the hours he reduced to eight hours per day. The millowners have refused any concession; and, if a settlement is not arrived at, the men will go out on strike on the Ist of February. (Received January 12, 7.15 p.m.)

An attempt at bauk robbery took place at 10 o'clock this morning at the Col ling wood sub branch of the Commercial Bank of Australia. On the arrival of the bank manager with the day's supply of coin, three men entered the building and attacked him. A struggle took place, in the course of which the manager fired his revolver. His assailant's shot, however unfortunately strnck the owner of the premises, Mrs Ravenscroft, who came in, heaving the struggle, and she is reported to be dead. One of the robbers was arrested, but up to the present time the other two have not been captured. (Received January 12, 9 p.m.) (Evening.)

Further reports respecting the attempted rohhery of the Coliingwood sub-branch of the Commercial B:ink of Australia confirm the statement of Mrs Rivenscroft's death. The bank manager made a most plucky defence when attacked t>y the robbers. The assailants are larrikins, one of whom was armed with a revolver, the second carried a crowbar, and the third a tomahawk. No money was. stolen,

the robbers being completely foiled in their attempt to secure the coin. Four persons have been arrested in connec tion with the affair.

Sailed, this afternoon, the Union steamship Ringarooma, for the Bluff. (Received January 13, 1.15 a.m.) Albany, January 12.

The P. and 0. steamship Tasmania, with London mails to December 11th, arrived at King George's Sound this afternoon.

(Received January 13, 1 p.m.) January 13,

Ooly one of the four men arrested in connection with the Colliugwood bank robbery has been detained. The other three, being able to explain their movements to the satisfaction of the police, have been released from custody.

The Victorian Seamen's Union has received a reply from the New South Wales Union promising co-operation in the cause of the strike. The Brisbane Uniou requested further information before giving a definite answer. The .tnasteis remain firm and determined ; and intend to lay up their vessels rather than submit to the demand.

Correspondence is now passing between the Trades Council and the shipowners relative to the proposal of the first-named body to establish a board of conciliation for the settlement of the disputes.

[Per s.s. Rotomahana, at the Bluff.]

Melbourne, December 24,

Mrs Sala, wife of the eminent journalist, died at Menziea' Hotel on Thursday last. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband, who had been married twenty-6ve years. A dispute has taken place between the operative plasterers and the employers, and it resulted on Monday in 250 going on strike. The men insist on a reduction of hours from forty-eight to forty-four at the same rate of wages, namely, £3 per week. The. action of the men causes considerable inconvenience.

The heat during the last few days has been intense. Bush fires are bein» reported in various parts of the colony. At Camperdown terrible bush fires raged all day. When the wind changed the township was filled with dense smoke. Near Cobden a forest was in flames, which spread to the houses. Fences have been destroyed, and a great quantity of damage has been done to the Cape Otway forests. For miles, extending down to Lome on the sea coast, the crops and fences belonging to the selectors have been destroyed. An immense amount of property is damaged at Colac. The smoke yesterday was bo dense that artificial fight was supplied to business places during the day. Baron von Mnpller received a telegram last evening from a camel driver named Billock, who was with M'lntyre in his exploring expedition of 1866. The telegram, which is sent from Cloncurry, North Queensland, states that Billock has just found the remains of the explorer Leichardt.