AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 72, 25 March 1874, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melhoubnk, March 19. The nominations for tho first batch r of elections have taken place, and resulted in the unopposed return of six members. Iu eleven districts contests will take place. A good deal of apathy is displayed, and very little iuteresfc is taken. The Chief Secretary and Treasurer addressed their constituents mainly od constitutional questions. H.M.S. Challenger, on n scientific cruise, is now in harbor, and will probably visit New Zealand. She has' on board Lord George Campbell, son of the Duke of Argyle, as SubLieutenant. 'Jhe Gerrcan man of war Arcona, also in harbor, is on a cruise, and will visit Fiji. The Californian steamer Cyphrenes lian arrived after a passage to Adelaide of 60 days. A libel casesgainstthe Australasian is proceeding. It has reference to certain remarks about pulling a horse iu the steeplechase at Bendigo. Henry Colin, formerly a well-known publican at fcJandridge haa committed suicide by poison. The final cricket match between the English eleven and 18 Victorians resulted in a draw, owing to a heavy r«in. Grace made 64. The eleven proceeded to Adelaide and thence home. A good deal of unpleasar. t feeling was shown by the professionals previous to their their departure. A largs deputation on Sabbath observance has interviewed the Chief Secretary. The new members of the Opera Company are a very great success. In the Buckley will case, the Supreme Court decided that the will was a forgery, and by^Maher. Maher'a bill was dismissed. SHIPPING. Newcastle : Arrived — Emperor and Gazelle from Lyttelton. Sailed— Haversham and Canaille, for Wellington; Queensland, for Lyttelton; fieather Bell, for Kelson. COMMERCIAL. ■Breadstuff's are without alteration, ea'es of wheat mado up to 6a 6Jdj oats very scarce

ani much wanted at 6a . 6d : for feeding, and ssßdfrseod. Large tales h*ve be ea" made of brandies, Hennessy's, 7 J?s 6d ; 6tard'«, 8* 2d. Advices have been received of short shipments Cameron's tobaccos in better request. The speculation business in candles hai^re&uHed in the sale of several thomard boxuf at fiill rate>. Tens and Isugars quiet Jfevr Zealand fuur per cents ore obtainable at £91 ; liank of New Zealand shares are wantci at £16 10s. Sydney, March 19. The Govcriin.e:it have arranged with Queensland and Kevr Zjaland for laying a cable from Singapore t ) the coast of Queensland, a-.d will ask the Parliament tor its tanction. Tae Tartar" took 70 cabin passengers. The Assembly has rejected the Paymout of Members Bill. Great privations are suffered at Palmer river owiug to the scarcity of provision!", 'lhe blacka are very troublesome. Two men have been killed and three wounded. The gold prospeit-j arc tatbfactory, but lhe country is almost inaccessible. Adelaidf, Mirch 19. A train of carriages on the Northern Railway rau off the line at the points, and two persons were killed. At the inquest it was shown that the points had been movtd maliciously by eoine unknown person. A shock of earthquake has been felt at the Northern. Territory.