AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 17, 18 January 1876, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, January 11. There is quite a rush, of candidates for the vacant sf at in the Assembly. The Minister of Hallways is amongst the number. Parliament meets to-morrow, when it is stated the Opposition will commence the policy of obstructing business, but nothing dtfinite as to their Intentions is yet known. Mr Mason has met his constituents in South Gippsland, and, after a statement of , his betting transaction, he received a vote of confidence and sympathy. The Lizzie Black, a coaster in the Newcastle trade, it is feared is lost. The Government have sent out a vessel to Kent's Group in search of her. The Hihernia, with the deep sea portion of the New Zealand cable, is expected in about three weeke. Several officers of the Company are now in Melbourne, Mdle. de Murska leaves for New Zealand at the end of the month. Scarlet lever has broken out at the Pro« tegtant Orphanage. The head teacher died. All State schools on Emerald Hill, in the vicinity of the institution, remain dosed. A match for £500 a side, distance a mile and a half, over hurdles, between Cronstadt and Stranger came off on Saturday on the Melbourne course, and was won easily by the former. The sale of shorthorn cittle at Robertson's, Colac, attracted about 900 persons from all parts and from the adjoining colonies. The total realised was £30,828. The highest price paid was X&200 for a heifer, Roan Duuhess. Mr Samuel Gardiner purchased to the extent of orer £7000. The competition for some of the stock was very keen and exiting. Tbe Torres Straits mail steamer Brisbane touched on the Angelic* reef in Torres Straits. The mails, passengers, and specie were conveyed to Searabyad, and the coals were jettisoned The City of San Erancisco has been docked in Sydney. She sails with the mails on the 14th. A cable has been laid at New Caledonia from Duros Peninsular to the Isle of Pinea. Thirty-six entries were made for the Australian Cup, and 40 for the Newmarket Handicap, to be run at the Autumn Meeting at Flemiogton. A fire at Wanghan's steam saw mills, Granfield, destroyed the whole of the buildings and stock, inflicting great loss. The owners were uninsured. The revenue returns just published show the receipts for the past year to have been £5,215,5*4, being an increase on the previous year of £161,600. The Taßmanian year's revenue shows a surplus of nearly £25,000. The heavy rains during the last few days have caused floorts, and done considerable damage to the main line of railway between Boss and Catnpbelltown. Several persons were drowned in attempting to cross the river.