AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 137, 10 June 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, May 31. Captain Mandeville'B reply to the Torpedo Commissioners' report has been presented to the Assembly. He maintains that he is not liable for any accident resulting from electrical currents, but only for the discipline of the ship. He regrets he was not aboard the Cerberus when the accident occurred, but submits that the commission were not qualified to judge of the discipline of a man-of-war.

Mr Berry attended a meeting of the antiChinese League on the 7th, and expressed sympathy with its objects. He said a Bill similar to that of New South Wales would be introduced at the earliest opportunity next session.

Sydwby, May 31. A breach of promise case— Brookes ». Smith— ia now before the Supreme Court, lfc appears that the plaintiff got married in 1855, but obtained a divorce. Sh« subsequently married a Mr Coutta, draper, of New Zealand, but the marriage proving inralid, Cootta refused to lfgalise it f TJyj wife

afterwards met Thomas Coutan Smith, who is said to have promised marriage to her. The case is still proceeding.

June 1

The barque Queen of Nations, from London to Sydney, waß wrecked yesterday five miles north of Wollongong. The fore and mainmasts arc gone. One man waß drowned ; all the other hands got ashore except the captain and chief officer. The steward brought the ship's papera ashore. When the tide ebbed in the afternoon a volunteer crew put off to the vessel, iv response to. signals for help from the captain and chief mate. On arrival of the boat alongside both officers disappeared below, and, although repeatedly called, they declined to show themselves. The same conduct was again repeated, It is concluded tbat the captain and chief officer are either mad of rtrunk. Four of the crew have sworn informations against the captain and chief officer for assault and battery. The vessel appears sound and not much damaged. The crew of the Queen of Nations Btate that the conduct of the captain and chief mate was moat eccentric during the voyage ; tbat tbe weather was quite clear when the vessel struck ; and that the chief mate presented a loaded revolver at some of the crew, and threatened to shoot them if they left the ship [A cable message recently informed ub tbat the captain and mate had got safely ashore | A daring robbery was committed at the Albioa Hotel Hiliston, when £380 was abstracted from the cash-box in the bar.

Mr Russel, the Government astronomer, reports a large spot passing over the sun's surface.

Adelaide, May 31

The wheat statistics show that about 140,000 tons of wheat are avai able for export. Shipments to 15th May amount only to 88,000 tons. The owner of Progress has offered the owner of Mata to make a match for j£soo, but the offer wfts declined.

June 1

The Chief Secretary has arranged with the general agent of the Orient Compauy that the s'eamers of the line shall alternate with the P. and 0, Company's vessels in their departure from Adelaide, thus giving the benefit of a weekly service. Prohably this is a preliminary to further arrangements with the former company for the conveyance of the Soath Australian mails.