VICTORIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 284, 21 July 1855, Page 6

VICTORIA.

Earthquake at Melbourne.—The shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt on Saturday morning. It occurred at 35 minutes past ten o'clock, a.m., and was proceeded and followed by a rumbling noise, like what would be produced by the passage of a carriage over a paved street, and accompanied by a vibi;atory motion passing from S.W. to N.E. The last authenticated earthquake observed in Melbourne was on 28th April, 1847, at 4.30., p.m., when the shock was even more perceptible than on Saturday. The direction on both occasions was the same. The only other on record was in January, 1842, when the direction of the motion was also S.W. to N.E.— Melbourne Morning Herald. Riot- at Maryborough Diggings. A serious riot took place at the Maryborough diggings. Its origin was as follows : — An Irish Canadian, named John M'Crae, jumped one of four claims shepherded by a party of Tipperary men. On being ordered by them to quit the ground he refused. Ultimately, however, both parties agreed to refer the disputed point to arbitration, and it was decided in favour of M'Crae. On his attempting to take possession he was attacked by the/Irish with picks, clubs, &c, and compelled to run for his life. The Tipperaries, not satisfied with having thus obtained their end, pursued him, until at length M'Crae drew a revolver, fired, and slightly wounded a man named Robinson in the face. This roused the fury of the "Tips," as they are called, to madness. They rushed on M'Crae, took him prisoner, and made preparations for hanging him on tbe spot. Meanwhile a number of persons acquainted with the circumstances interposed, and succeeded in having him taken up to the court, and incarcerated on a charge of shooting at the above named Wm. Robinson; This happened on Friday evening. On Saturday morning a large party of miners amounting in all to upwards of 3,000, turned out for the purpose of putting down the Tipperary men. Most of them were armed with guns or pistols, and the remainder carried picks, shovels, sticks, or whatever other weapon they could lay hands on. After mustering, they proceeded to the claim which had first given rise to the dispute, took into custody all those Irishmen who had been foremost iv the assault on M'Crae, and then captured all who were known or supposed to belong to the gang. A portion of the mob, amouuting to upwards of 1,500 then inarched with their prisoners to the Maryborough Camp, handed them over to the authorities, and proceeded- to demand tlie release of M'Crae. As several witnesses were present to prove that tbe accused, in firing, only acted on the defensive, the magistrates, after hearing L Js\ case, remanded it until 'Thursday next, taking, bail for the appearance of M'Crae. The mob, after giving three cheers for the magistrates, then proce :ded to the Alma, with anything bat amicable intentions to.yards the "Tips,'* who inhabit that locality. NoYurther collision, however, occurred that ni^ht. The riot is iiovv. entirely quelled. A new gold field had been reported to have been discovered about 30 miles from Geelong. — Tasmanian Daily News.