AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 37, 12 February 1877, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(Per Ringarooma.) Melbourne, February 6. The weather continues extremely dry, which is vory disastrous to pastoral and agricultural interests. There has not been an inch of rain registered for the past six weeks. Sheep are dying in all directions, and numerous bush fires have occurred. The Cable Conference has closed its sittings. New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia together have agreed on the duplication of the line between Singapore and Banjowanjee, 'which will cost each £900 a year in excess of the estimate if all the colonies pay in praportion. This arrangement has not pet been ratified by the respective colonies It is to be arranged to obtain English operators on the Dutch lines, if the Netherlands India Government will sanction it. Sheriff, who recently died, served against the Maoris in the Bay of Island in 1841. Political matters are quiet, but numerous candidates have announced themselves. The education is likely to prove a bone of contention at the elections. Bailey and Cooper's circus has been doing a splendid bussiness. It has completely killed the threatres. The pantomines have all been withdrawn this week, aud more legitimate entertainments commenced. The arrangement amongst the associated banks has broken up; the rates of discount have been lowered, and each one now acts on its own behalf. .Sugars are in great request; very prime wheat, 63 8d to 6s 9d; oats, firm, up to 3s 10£ d.