AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1715, 22 May 1886, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(ELKCTRTC TELEOR.A.PH. — COPYRIGHT ) (RBOTBR'n TELEGRAMS.) Melbourne, Friday. A shocking fatal accident occurred last night. Aa Dean Russell was leaving the Town Hall, where he had been attending a church meeting, he fell down the steps. He was picked up-inssnsib'.e, and medical assistance was obtained, but the Dean never regained consciousness and "Boon expired. Sydney, Friday. The debate on the proposals introduced by the Government for the i imposition on certain products hitherto an Used concluded last night, and ov a division being taken the motion was carried by 47 votes to 30. Dv Steele, of the Presbyterian Synod, has written a letter m reply to the communication addressed by Mr Stout, Premier of New Zealand, to the moderator of the New Zealand Synod. Mr Steele states the clergymen engaged m the Christian Missions, New Hebrides, will never be parties to the annexation of the Islands by France, under any plea whatever. The matter cannot be settled by a decision of New Zealand churches alone, as other religous orsraniations who ar,s interested have equalclaiin to be heard on the subject. Tlie entire trade is grouped m tho hands of the British subjects. The Natives have evinced a preference for British rule combined with strong antipathy to the French. Mr Stcele concludes by expressingan opinion that the diseontinuanc ; of the transportation of criminals to islands m the Pacific should not be purchased by concessions, but should be demanded m the name of justice and humanity.

[The above items were published as a ■applemcnt to a portion of the Town Edition hi our previous issue.]