AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 53, 31 January 1884, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY .

(Per s.s. llingavooina.) (united press association.) Sydney, January 24. Owing to the increasing lawlessness, the city and suburbs, the Government lias decided to provide additional police protection iv the shape of mounted patrols. One of the most brilliant Masonic gatherings ever seen m Sydney took place yesterday, on the occasion of the dedication held m the Masonic Hall. About 700 Freemasons were present, and they proceeded m procession to Christ. Church, where a full choral service vras held. . The Earl of Rosebevry has given fifty guineas for two essays at the University —one, the " Future State," and ihe other on the "Growth of the Australasian Colonies" The stranded steaniers Lismore and Richmond still remain fast at Ballina, but hopes are entertained of getting them off. Very. destructive bushfires have occurred near and there J»as been almost a circle of fiie lound the whole of the town, which was filled with dense flames and smoke. All the districts around have suffered more or less Stoverely. The fire spread from Adamstown to the poppet heads of the A. A. Company's coal pits, and the men working undergroun donly escaped With difficulty. The distress of their wives and families, when the pit caught fiiv, was agonising. All pver the country the weather has been ten ibly hot and dry, and rain is greatly needed.