AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 31, 7 January 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

[Per s.s. Australia via Auckland.] (UNITED PBESB ASSOCIATION.) • Sydney, Jan. 1. Three fresh cases of smallpox have, developed at the quarantine station amongst tha family of Mrs Sawyer who lately died of the disease. Forty-three cases have now occurred at the station, and the deaths amount to three. Sheridan, the chemist/ who is. concerned iq the cases of the deaths of three women, has been committed for trial for •wilful murder, . ... . Very hot weather and a deficient rainfall is causing some uneasiness m the country. An inquest on the remains of Edward Hill, who lost his life m the Coffee Palice fire, has been opened iand adjourned. At the Commercial Travellers' Association banquet, Mr Dibbs, referring to the question of protection, pointed to the position of New South Wales and her unexampled prosperity, which was due to her free«trade policy. Tremendous commotion was caused at the Roman Catholic Cathedial, of Armidale, on Christmas morning.* Dur- ' ing the service, as Bishop Torreziana was about to celebrate mass, a man named McCafferty, an Irishman, walked up the church with a sword m his hand. When he got to the alter he raised the sword to strike the bishop, but some of the congregation prevented him. As they did so McCafferty" fired at the bishop with a revolver. The ball passed through the bishop's vestments, but the latter kept cool and proceeded with his religuous duties. McCafferty, whp is believed to bo mad, was arrested. A disgraceful disturbance occurred at Bondi on Boxing day, A frapas occurred m a d.ancjng payijlipn, and. arjpj; ensued, m which three pojipemen were nearly killed. The body of Edward Hill, a justice of the Peace, was found uuder the ruins of the Coffee Palace.