COLONIAL NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 8 March 1851, Page 3

COLONIAL NEWS.

SYDNEY. We have received files of the Sydney Morning Herald to the 6th of February. A friendly notice of the first number of the Lyltelton Times appears in the Herald of the sth inst. Now that the question of the Form of Government is settled, that of Immigration—the supply of labour from England—seems to occupy the most prominent place in the interest of the colony. His Excellency the Governor has issued a Proclamation convening the Legislative Council for "despatch of business" on Friday 28th March. The new Electoral Bill has been, it is said, already prepared ; the number of members being 48 representatives for New South Wales, and 30 for the Colony of Victoria. The Constitutional Act provides that one-third shall in all cases be nominated by the Crown, the residue being elective under the £10. Franchise. Disease amongst Cattle.—The mortality among the cattle in the county of Cumberland has increased to an alarming extent. Out of one herd which arrived a few days since from Twofold Bay, fifteen died in one night. It appears that the disease is confined to Cumberland, and that cattle from whatever district they come are subject of it. In a matter in which the health of the people are much concerned, we think the Government should without delay appoint a board of enquiry. We have no doubt that one-half the meat eaten in Sydney is in an unhealthy condition.. Bell's Life in Sydney says,—An erroneous impression is generally prevalent as to the nature of the extraordinary disease now raging amongst" the cattle in almost every part of the '"'country, tt is decidedly not " black-leg," but its characteristics are so novel that we think some investigation by the veterinary faculty should bei instituted without delay. The butchers describe it as completely baffling' detection in its primary stages, and its progress is so insidious and rapid that the animal manifests but slight symptoms of uneasiness before suddenly falling and expiring. A heaviness of the eye and a trembling of the limbs are the only indications of the attack, and the immediate precursors} of death, which follows almost instantaneously.

Sydney Markets.—From Mr. Breillat we learn that there has been a moderate supply of wheat brought to market this week, which has been readily taken at rather improved rates, ss. 6d. per bushel, and even a shade higher, being freely given for the best samples. The demand for flour continues brisk, and prices remain very firm at previous quotations, namely—l4Z. per ton for fine, 13?. for seconds, and 121. for ration. Bran, 51. per ton of 2000 lbs. At Messrs. Barker and Co.'s mills a tolerably good supply has been received, chiefly from the Hunter River and Wollongong districts; that from the lastnamed place consisting mostly of very superior samples; prices range from 4s. 6d. to ss. 6d. : flour is firm at last quotations, 141. for fine, 131. for seconds, and 121. for ration, per ton of 2000 lbs ; bran Is. to Is. 2d. per bushel. Victoria Mills (Mr. Smart's) wheat from ss. 3d. to ss. 6d. per bushel; fine flour of best quality, 141. per 2000 lbs.; seconds ditto, 131. ; bran, Is. to Is. 2d. per bushel.

VICTORIA (late Port Philip.) The Jane Dixon brings us Melbourne papers to February 7th. Anti-tkansportation Movement.—The public have shewn their hearty sympathy with the cause of the Tasmanians (and their own appreciation of the dangers to this free province, of the continuance of transportation to Van Diernen's Land) by in one day subscribing twentythree hundred pounds to assist the object of the " League." We certainly fall in with the policy of the suggestion to ship to England a cargo of the greatest vagabonds that could be found in Van Diemen's Land, and think this fund could be very judiciously appropriated to such an object. There cannot be the slightest doubt of its having a beneficial effect. Earl Grey's election released us from Sydney Bondage, and the equally extreme step we have above alluded to, would go far to release the colonies from the Convict Curse.— Melbourne Morning Herald, Feb. 6. The Interior.—A gentleman who arrived in town yesterday morning, after riding some hundred miles through the bush, informs us that the country is suffering fearfully from want of rain. The pasturage is completely burned up in many localities, and the cattle are already dying on stations for want of water. He has known it lately necessary to drive stock for miles to a waterhole. During his route he witnessed some extensive bush fires, and had a narrow escape himself, having, when on the Loddon, to make a hard run to get clear of the pursuing flames. The settlers are earnestly praying for rain, and if the present scorching weather continues the most lamentable consequences must ensue.— lb. Bush Fire. —We have heard of a very extensive fire which happened a day or two ago in the neighbourhood of Wardy Yallaok, which has caused severe loss to several of the settlers in that district. Our informant states that Mr. Neil Black lost 4000 sheep. Mr. Angus Craig's wool-shed and a large haystack, besides the woolsheds of Messrs Cole and Ware being razed to the ground. We hope the loss may be exaggerated, but we fear it is too true. — Geelong Advertiser.

The Weather.—Yesterday was the most oppressively hot day remembered by "the oldest inhabitant" in Port Phillip. The sirocco that prevailed throughout the day was as hot as the blast of a furnace and really scorching. Clouds of dust accompanied this stifling heat, penetrating every building in the city, and filling one's very " fob." Every female had the appearance of " black Sal," and every gentlemen of a " dusty Bob" (in his purse). If the reader can imagine the atmosphere of dust'^ashes, steam, heat and suffocation, that one might experience if looking into Mount Etna immediately after its being extinguished by a waterspout, they can form a tolerably fair idea of Melbourne on the 6th February, ISSI ; a day that must ever be associated, with our warmest recollections. Strange too, in the midst of all this grilling, we espied a wedding party ! Out of the fryingpan into the fire! Recalling to our memory Moore's lines— " Thro' the furnace thy steps to pursue To shield tlioe, to save thee, or perish there too." —Ib. Feb. 7. Mr. "La Teobe. —Official information lias been received of the appointment of Mr. La

Trobe as Lieutenant-Govern or of the new colony of Victoria. His Excellency's commission will be forwarded direct to Melbourne.— Sydney Herald. VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. Chamber of Commerce.—Hobart Town.— By far the most important local event of the day is, the effort now making to establish a Chamber of Commerce in this city. This long-talked about matter, has been at length set about in earnest, and every well-wisher of the prosperity of the eolony^must join with us in feeling deeply anxious for the ultimate result of an effort made in so useful, and so exceellent a direction — Hobart Town Britannia. Lacnceston Markets.—Old wheat is quoted at ss. to ss. Id. ; new is offering at 4s. 9d. Fine flour, 121. 105. to 131. per ton. New hay, 31. to 31. 10s. per ton.— Examiner, Jan. 29. CALIFORNIA. We have San Francisco papers to the 9th December. The winter had set in but there had not been much rain, and owing to the fine bracing weather the cholera was decreasing. Crowds of people were daily leaving for the United States and other countries. It was calculated that from deaths and emigration the population of the state would be at least 30^000 less on the Ist January than it was on the Ist July last. Long lists of deaths appear in the papers, but thousands die in the interior, of whom nothing is known, and of whom no record is kept. The Eight Eev. Dr. Southgate 3 formerly a Missionary Bishop at Constantinople, has been elected Bishop of the Protestant Episcopalian Church.— Melbourne Morning Herald. Feb. 1.