AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 3, 11 May 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUM MARY.

(Per B.S. Waihora at Auckland.)

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION, Sydney, April 30. The military and naval preparations aro iibaorbtac nil attention. The cruisers M >BsiliA and Lusitania are being rapidly got ready, and the former will soon be ready for a cruisa. Recruiting i« going on briskly, and all the preparations are completed for protecting the harbors with torpedoes. There was some difference of opinion as to the policy of tho Government m offering the New South Walt*H Contingent for service m Indit. Tho Press generally condemn tho proceeding as uncalled fur. PArlkmeut haR been further prorogued^ gued until the 10th June next, and the: W will be summoned for. despatch of busiIK'SS. General Scratchier remains about a week m Sydney, and then proceeds to Brisbane to coufer with the Government 'there. Business is very dull owing to th» present uncertainty. Great activity iv defence matteis everywhere prevails. The telegraph has been extended to the Northern Shore of Moreton Bay, and a line has also been extended to Sandy Cape. The defence works at Lyttelton and m the north are being rapidly pressed forward. Melbourne, April 30. Six Nordenfelt guns and a quantity of war stores have been received. The Government have arranged to extinguish the lights at Queensclifle and Point Lonsdale and the south channel. Only licensed pilots will be permitted to take vessels up, and who are aware of the position of the mines.