LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2902, 16 February 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

+ [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph. —Copyright. - LITHGOW COLLIERY ON FIRE. TWO MEN SUFFOCATED. BOAT ACCIDENT AT COOKTOWN SUPPOSED LOSS OF TWELVE LIVES. RESIGNATION OF THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY. (Received February 15, 7.10 p.m.) Sydney, February 15. The Lithgow colliery has taken fire. Three men are known to be still in the workings. The whole place is now a mass of smoke. Every effort is being used to rescue those who are down, but it is feared the exertions will prove fruitless. (Received February 15, 10 p in.) Later. Further telegrams to hand from Lithgow relative to the outbreak of fire in the coal mines near the township, state that the exertions made to rescue the mine manager and two men who were unable to effect their escape resulted in the recovery of the manager in an unconscious state. The o:her two men have been brought up dead, apparently suffocated. Sailed, this morning, the Manapouri for New Zealand. (Received February 16, noon.) February 16. The fire is still burning in the Lithgow colliery, all efforts to extinguish the flames haviug proved unavailing. The manager of the mine, who was rescued in a state of insensibility, has since died. Cooktown, February 16. A boat accident, which it is feared has involved fatal cons quences, took place here yesteiday. The lugger Arthur capsized during a heavy squall, and twelve of her passengers are missing. A search is being made, but strong apprehensions are felt that all are drowned. (Received February 16, 12.45 p.m.) Melbourne, February 16. It is expected that the Hon. Mr Service will tender the resignation of himself and his colleagues to his Excellency the Governor to-day. Arrived, on Sunday morning, the P. and O. steamship Bengal, from London!