AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 212, 6 September 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, 31st August. Great excitement was caused in Melbourne by the accident to the Brighton express The cause appears to be through the tire of one of the wheels of the middle carriage breaking. The wheel turned on its spokes for about 100 yards, and although the passengers knew an accident was unavoidable, they were unable to communicate with the guard or the engine to stop the train, which would have prevented the accident. Stringent enquiry will be made as to whether the rolling-stock is sufficiently examined by competent men. The farewell banquet given to Mr. Clark, President of the Exhibition, wasjattended by 120 gentlemen. The Premier was in the chair. The toast of Mr. Clark's health was received with great cordiality. He was afterwards presented with a handsoire album, containing portraits of all the Commissioners. All precautions are being taken in Melbourne to prevent the incursion of smallpox. Ie has been arranged that the importation of rags from Sydney shall cease •until the plague has subsided. One vessel which arrived, having a quantity on board, was prevented from landing. Adelaide, August 31. A shocking attempt at murder has been made on Mr Smitb, cf the firm of Russell and Co. He was stopped by two men, and knocked down, and whilst one held him tbe othr.r cot hi 3 threat, and then robbed the victim. Smith was found next morning, and hopes are entertained of hia recovery. Quarts, containing gold, has been discovered 27 mileß west of Adelaide. A girl named Fry, held a flapk of gunpowder to a candle in the Exhibition grounds. An explosion ensued, which badly shattered her hand.