AUSTRALIAN NEWS. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Received April 20, at 10.45 a.m. Sydney, April 20.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8166, 22 April 1895, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Received April 20, at 10.45 a.m. Sydney, April 20.

Tho Ringarooma's officer reported unfit for duty, instead of submitting to authority, left the voaaol, and wont on board another warship. Ho was brought back, and pined under arrest in his cabin. Admiral Bridgo was communicated with, and ordered an onquiry to bo held, the officer being provisionally released. Meanwhile further proceedings stand in aboyanco till tho Admiral returns on the 25th, and the ship will be detained at least 10 days. Mrs Dean is seriously ill, suffering from paralysis tho after effects of poisoning. The Government has offered to place a detective at the disposal cf tho investigation committee, and to render every assistance to clear up tho case. A deputation of civil servants waited on tho Premier, and asked that tho adminißtration of the superannuation fund and solo control of all appointments and promotions to tho service bo vested in a Board of Commissioners responsible to Parliament, and that tho Government allow civil servants to form a fund among themselves, on commercial principles, with Government assistance, in tho Blmpo of 4 por cont debentures. Tho deputation admitted that pensions would have to bo reduced, but thought tho proposed reductions wero harsh. Mr Reid said thub tho superannuation fund was an inheritance from previous administrations, and was typical of tho way tho Gnancefl of tho colony had been mismanaged. The sUto of tho fund was a scandal and disgrace to tho country. The matter wbb serious, and would have tho careful consideration of tho Government, who wero desirous of placing the fund on a better basis. Ho thought the deputation was pursuing i» wiso course in moving in the direction of a life insurance system. Ono great difficulty in tho way *a 9 that the majority in Parliament was opposed to pensions. Somo 6orhus changes would probably have to be made in the civil aorvico, but ivory individual would recoivo ! fair remuneration for his service.

Received April 20, at 11 a.m. Newcastle, April 20. Tho minors' delegates have again recommended all lodges to withdraw strike noticos. Tho manager of tho Soahfvm coHiety tofused to accept tho withdrawal, and ordered the unionists to romove their tools to-day. Non-unionists nro being engaged in thoir places.

Biusbank, April 20. It is rumored that tho ballot upon t ho proposed shearers' strike this year has resultod in a large majority against it, but tho union officials are very reticent. A houso at Toowoomba, occupied by Mr King and family, was burnod down. Mr King escaped, but returning to roicuo his wife and children was suffocated. Tho others esoapod badly burned, and tho wifo is in a critical condition.

Sydnhy, April 20. Arrived — Adoliiido, from tho Thames, Tho weather is again dno for the last diiv's racing. "»\ tho Assembly a motion was adopted . * f t tho abolition of Judgos 1 pen* In'ld a 2* "HI bo introdaood to civo effect to it. . . , . Crip P 9, the jockey who w» injured in tho hJrdlo race on Thursday, » still unconscious, and is in a dangerous condilion. . .

Arrivod— Anglian, from Aucklana. Melbourne, April 20. Tho conference of Railway CommU> sionera has arrived at the basris of an agreemonb for bringing to an end the tariff war which ht.B been going on u> connection with tho traffic. Differential rakes affecting trade aro to be abolished >U oach colony, and a common railoago rate substituted. Tho profi'a aro to bo pooled and divided periodically.

Hoijaut, April 20. Mr Kirkor, general manager of the South British Insurance Company, Auckland, has arratigod to submit, for confirmation of the directors, proposals for the purchase of the business of the Mutual Insurance Company of Tasmania. AH risks aro to bo taken over.

Perth, April 20. Very rich stone has boen struck afc Lako View Mine. The Great Boulder Mine Is opening up splendidly.

Albany, April 20. Arrived— Victoria. PdB9engera for New Zoalnnd : Mr and Mrs Tavornor, Mr Sinallbonos. ___^_