AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 83, 8 April 1874, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, Maroh 31. The startling intelligence was received on Tuesday evening last that six of the principal Communi-t prisoners had escaped from New Caledonia and landed at Newcastle Their names are — Henri Rochefort, Paschal Grou.ser, lata Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Jourde, late Minister of Finance, Ollivier Pain, ex-secretary of Foreign Affairs, M. Balliere, Aide-de-camp to General Roasell, and M. D'Hillier, late Commandant of the National Guard, all of whom occupied th.ir several positions under the Government of the Commune. They have arrived at Sydney, but how they contrived to escape and all other particulars at present remain a mystery. They are reserved and give no information for tear ot implicating their friends who aided their escape. There is lo doubt heie that the whole affair was planned, as on British eoil tbey are sa'e as political refugees. The elections of the first bai ch of twentyfour members resulttd in a majority against the Government on the constitutional question. JudgejW illiams has sent in his re.ingnatinn. Re claims a pension of £1500 a jear, being half his selary. It is believed that Attorney-Gent ral Stephen will be e'evated to the Bench, but it is doubtful, as hia retirement at the present time would complicate the Ministry. George Butchart is admitted to the Lunatic Asylum as in.are The German war steamsr Arcona leaves to-morrow en route for Fiji. Governor Ducane is a passenger on board the Alhambra on a visit to Sir J. Fegnsson. Mr Sichel, a merchant of the firm of Joshua Bro hers is opposing the Treasurer in West Melbourne as. a staunch free trader. The Challenger leaves for Sydney to-day. The English Eleven finally left for England in the Nubia. Grace entered into arrangements and played a match in Adelaide, although ho had given h*s word of honor not to break the agreement entered into with the Moonta Association. This last act of Grace's has disgusted even his closest iriends and best admirers. The Baroda having left Galle punctually will probably arrive here about Monday or Tuesday next. Heavy rains in the last few days are likely to spoil the vintage, but otherwise will be beneficial. Sidney,. March 31. The Assembly has passed tho Estimates, but is not likely to be prorogued before the end of April. It will meot again in September. The Council rejected the report of the Committee to make the Upper House elective. Tho Admiralty Court has ordered the surrender of the Aurora as illegally seized. Fitzyatterdon is looked upon as almost certain to win the Leger. Th. Catholic Bißhop Quinn of Bathurst leaves for Europe next month. A barmaid named Desmond committed suicide at Forbes by taking strychnine. A new opera house is to be built on the Elizabeth joint stock principle. Adelaide, March 31. It is reported th it the genoral wheat average will ba 20,000 tons less than expected. A reception is to be given to Major Warburton on his return to Perth.