AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1579, 11 December 1885, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(Per s.s. Maroroa at Auckland.)

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Sydney, Dec. 4. The death of Sir Peter Scratchel) took the community by surprise. It seems that he made a visit to the interior of New Guinea, going about 50 miles to Forbes' camp. He insisted on walking most of the road, which was preciptious, and was much fatigued. He still insisted upon continuing his progress, but his health caused the greatest anxiety to the party. The general was then brought back, and it was deckled to proceed at once to Cooktown, and there Sir Peter Scratchloy had only strength to whisper to his Secretary instructions for telegrams to be sent south. The weather was terribly hot, and the general visibly sank, and soon collapsed altogether. The body, on arriyal at' Townsville, was placed m a leaden coffin, and will pro- ] •■'bably be sent home for interment. Suitable arrangements will be made here for the reception of the body. Melbourne, Dec. 4. At a meeting of the members of the Scots' Churnh, Melbourne, at the instance of the Presbyteiy, the Itev. Dr McKenzie presided, and rend a resolution passed by the Assembly, to tho effect that both ministers and officebearers of the church iv accepting the standards should make their mental reservations. Mr M'Kean protested against such resolutions being imposed on congregations. The chairman said if Mr M'Koan did not take caro ho would call m a policeman and remove him. Mr M'Kean replied that such conduct was disgraceful, and was like lhat of a lowbred larrikin. The meeting then broke up.