SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 906, 8 April 1854, Page 3

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

The following summary of news from Adelaide is taken from the Melbourne Argus of the 22nd Feb. The Australian, which sailed from Port Adelaide on the 16th inst. took 21,914 ounces of gold from that place.

Arson. — Abraham Benjamin Aaron, who had been committed on the charge of having set fire to a house occupied by him, he having been served with notice to quit, was, after a lengthened trial, acquitted. The Adelaide Times complains of the dearth of labour in the colony, and deprecates the interference with the labour demanded by the colonists themselves, on the part of the Government, the Public Road and Railway Boards.

Land Sales. — The sale was very numerously attended, and the biddings more than usually spirited. Large purchases were made by German settlers, of whom one bought 584 acres, at a price exceeding £4 7s. Bd. per acre. The total is £2,281 ; the largest amount ever recorded for one day's auction sale of agricultural land in South Australia ; and the range of prices the highest since the memorable period of competition for mineral lands, the average being over £3 Os. lid. per acre.

Wine Making. — We perceive by our advertising columns, that Mr. Watson, of North Adelaide, has imported from Hamburg, a supply of Baume's hydrometers, for the use of scientific wine-makers, These are the instruments universally used by the wine-makers on the Rhine, and it is hopeless for our wine-mafcers to attempt to emulate their continental rivals, unless they pay attention to the specific gravity of the must during fermentation.

Fire near Port Gawler. — Many residents at Port Adelaide saw a very extensive fire on Wednesday evening, in the direction of Port Gawler. The masses of flame were quite distinguishable with the naked eye. Some persons imagined that a large quantity of seaweed had been ignited ; but the general opinion was that the flames were preying upon something more substantial and valuable.

Echunga. — It is confidently stated by persons likely to be well informed, that a party of prospectors have dropped on a rich, vein of gold in the neighbourhood of Echunga. The lucky parties, or a deputation from them, came into town on Saturday, with a view, it is said, of endeavouring to secure an extensive claim ; and in the mean time every care will doubtless be taken to keep the rich locality a secret.

More Gold. — A policeman came in from the.

north yesterday with a specimen of gold found in that direction. Great hopes are entertained that the gold field of the colony will vet, and shortly, be discovered in the north. — Register.