VICTORIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 557, 6 March 1858, Page 4

VICTORIA.

Tne following is from the 'Hobart Town Mercury:—A serious affray occurred at the Black Lead Ararat on the 3rd of Feb., between a jumping party and the Chinese there. The 'Geelong Advertiser' states that it is all but certain that the Geelong and Melbourne Railway will pass into the hands of the government. A fire broke out early on Monday morning in the wholesale ironmongery stores of Messrs James McEwen and Co., at Little Collins-street

West. Great alarm was felt on account of the quantity of gunpowder stored there, bnt it was removed in time to prevent any serious damage from that cause. The amount of damage was estimated at £12.000—stock was insured to the amount of £10,000. The cause was attributed to the spontaneous combustion of a large quantity of patent fuel. The total amount raised by private subscription for the Indian relief fund up to Feb. 4, was nearly £2,400. The most gloomy accounts had been received from South Australia respecting the wheat crops. The brig Lady Harvey, Kirkus, master, was wrecked on the Brown reef, about eleven miles from Port Philip Heads—crew all saved, but one man named Henry Home. Adelaide flour is quoted at £15 on Monday, but higher rates were demanded by holders: —wheat, 6s" 6d.; bran, 2s. 3d.; California oats, 65.-; maize, Bs. 6d. to 9s. ' i