AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 178, 10 August 1874, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Alhambba.)

Melbourne, Augusi 1.

Mr Francis having resigned office as Chief Secretary, through continued ill health, Mr Kerford, the AttorneyGeneral, was sent for by the Governor, and be undertook the construction of Ministry, and, after two days, was enabled to announce his Cabinet. Mr Lang ton, who, upon the retirement of Mr Francis, desired to lead, wats compelled to retirp, and his services were accepted as Treaßurer. Mr Kerford continues as Premier and AttorneyGenera!. Mr Ramsay, aB PostmasterGeneral, performs tha duties of the Chief Secretary's department, and Mr M'DermoU is Solicitor-General, the other members of the Ministry continuing in their present offices. The new Ministry is not likely to materially alter the tariff or proceed further with the Constitution Bills.

Mr Francis' health is very precarious, requiring perfect rest and cessation from all business.

The House meeis on Tuesday, and proceeds with business.

. A new election haa been held, and Mr Langridge returned for Collingwood by a large majority, and Mr Losk for Grenviile.

Captain Edgar, of the ship Oakworth, has been committed for trial, charged with criminal neglect in running down the fishermen off the Irish coast. Robert Price, chief officer of the same ship, has had his certificate cancelled for twelve months.

A very brilliant comet has been visible in tbe south-east for several days.

The steamship Great Britain arrived in 53 days.

Messrs Wigram's new steamer Durham has sailed from London for Melbourne.

The Governor's birthday ball was a great success, ab >ut 1600 persons being present. HMS.Ptarl which leaves for Sydney today, conveys Governor Robinson on a special mission to Fiji.

Sothein, the actor, has abandoned his intention of visiting Australia for the present. Two men have been killed by a mining accident at Wood's Point.

Hospital Sunday is fixed forJSeptember 27. Margaret Hearly, a domestic servant, has been committed for trial fjr infanticide at East Melbourne.

The Tartar sailed from San Francisco on the 28th July.

Everest, branch n anager of the Bank of Victoria, is committed for i iai ior forgery. The Government have decided to place a warning light on the southern side of King's Island.

The valuable greyhound Cock Robin, imported per Great Britain, injured himaelt 80 seriously y<Bterday that he is likely to die. Mr tf. tL Cotien has been appointed official assignee lor the Melbourne district.

Sy»N*.y, August 1. Great complaints are made regarding the Californiaa mail arrangements.

The deck bouse of a vessel of 500 tons has been found at fort Sttpheas. The Tartar's mails reached California on the 22nd instant.

The contract for the extension of the railway to Orange has been let at £3,600 a mile. The Bishop of Sydney opposes the .secular education movement.

Madame Goddard has arrived here.

Adelaide, August 1. 68,000 tons of breadstuff's were exported during the year. The revenue for the last quarter itm £234,000, and the expenditure £231,000. The population of the colony is 202,185.

HoBARTON August 1. The Premier's budget shows a surplus, and no fresh taxation is proposed. The Government will undertake extensive works outside the railway districts to relieve tbe local bodies, SHIPPING. Melbourne.— Arrived : Rose M. from W*nvßroa, Tasso from Waogaro*, Derwent from Kaipara, Annie Leslie from YVangaroa, Jtobinoor from Kaipara, J. N Fleming from Dunedin, Sea Bird from Hokitika. Si dkeit.— Arrived : John Knox from Lyttelton, Amateur from Timaru. Nbwcastle— Arrived : Cyrene, Edward Bassett, and Littie Pet, from Lyttelton, Glimpse from Auckland, Eastbv from Dunedin. Sailed: Queensland for Lyttelton, William Condeli for Dunediu ; Hever&hatn, Australind, and Malay for Wellington; Woodbine and Ardwell fir Auckland; Mo% for rimaru; Aurora, Edwin Bassett, Speedwell, Dorette, Australian Sovereign, and Emperor iorLjteUon. A dblaide.— Arrived : Christiana from New Zealand. Sailed : Annie Brown for New Zealand, Thames for Auckland. COMMEi-CrAL. Business is dull. Luge parcels of new teas have been sold at 11 Jd to Is 3d for Congos, and fine teas up to 2s 3d; brandies are receding in value; oats neglected at 6s to 5s 3d >or milling; wheat, 6s 3d to 6s 41 for prime samples; kerosine sold up to la sd: malt, 11s.