AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 622, 1 May 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER AUSTRALIA AT AUCKLAND.) Melbourne, April 25,

John Frederick King, the master, anrl John Butters, tho chief officer of the brig Alexandra, have been committed for trial for attempting to scuttle tho vessel. The evidence showed that the whole affair was planned by the captain. Tho Melbourne Gas Company lias resolved to borrow L7OOO at six per cent. The City of Melbourne Hank lms declared a dividend of 7 per cent., and tinVictorian insurance Company one of 10 per cent:. Billiard, matches have been arranged between Huberts, jun., and Shorter, wh" arrive by the Garonne, for the championship of the world. Sir Bryan O'Loughlan and Sir Gavin Dully have been selected as Commissioners from Victoria to the Imperial Government in connection with the constitution, The Reform Bill is new in course ot preparation. Renter's telegrams say that Sir GeorgBowen received despatches by the Nihv mail stating the course he adopted during crisis was deemed thoroughly satisfactory by the Imperial Government and tin leading statesmen of England. Adelaide. A railway from Adelaide to Glenelg itprojected. Brisbane. Reorganisation is being effected of tin Volunteer force, which is being placed ot a more effective footing, and measures will lie taken in the event of war to secun the important part of the coast. .Pro vision is to be asked for a small permitnone staff. The extension of the railway is proceeding vigorously, but owing to the unsettled state of Europe, the Govertimem feared they were not justified in askitiL for further expenditure on branch linein thinly-populated districts. (I'ER ARAWATA AT TUB KLUIT.) Mei,w>l"kne, April 25. The week has been principally devoted to holiday-making, and very little of consequence has transpired politically, socially, or commercially. The Governor visited Sandhurst on Monday, at the opening of the Ladies' Fair. He was bauquetted in the evening, and in his speech he congratulated himself upon the impartiality he had displayed during the crisis, and quoted largely from Lord Dnfferin, with a view to showing that the had followed a similai line of action. A son of Governor Robinson is dangerously ill with tlie scarlet fever. Lady Robinson is nursing him. The steamship Garrune arrived after a fifty-seven days' passage. She brought over 400 passengers. A large number of reinstatements have been made in the Education Department. Twelve of the Police Magistrates have been re-appointed, leaving a large number still unemployed ; six being over 00 years of age, and superannuated. The Captain and Chief Officer of the brig Alexandra, have been committed for trial for endeavouring to scuttle the ship. Parliament will not meet till the middle of June. Business is dull, owing to the holidays. Sydney, April 25. The running at the Autumn meeting has been very good. The Cup and St. Leger time were both very fast. Fifteen horses started in the Cup race. The Exhibition so far has not been successful, either in exhibits or attendance, but the preparations are not yet completed. (PER HERO, AT AUCKLAND.) A well-known farmer named William Bain, residing at Grafton, was killed in a boat at Palmer's Island by a bottle being thrown at his head. A man has been arrested on suspicion. At the Eight Hours' Demonstration at Melbourne; there was a large procession through the principal streets, which were crowded, the men marching to the Friendly Societies' Garden. A presentation was made in Melbourne in St. Ignatius Church, Richmond, to the Rev. Father Dalton, who is leaving for Sydney for the purpose of establishing a Jesuit mission in Now South Wales. The presentation consisted of an illuminated address, a chalice, and a purse of sovereigns. There were 800 people present. At the Police Court, Melbourne, the captain, mate, and boatswain of the barque Alexandra, were charged with | scuttling the vessel off Rabbit Island. The boatswain turned Queen's evidence, and swore that he and the captain had bored two holes in the vessel. At Newcastle, a woman named Kate Allenhy met her death under circumstances denoting foul play. She was at the residence of a person named Campbell at 3 o'clock on Sunday morning, where drinking was going on. A quarrel ensued, and the woman was taken home by her husband, who states that upon j waking after going to bed he found, hia j

wife dead. Some men, however, nut* that they hoard <»wril Hows struck as if with a heavy stick, and screams from a woman. The body shows signs of severe treatment. The husband and Campbell have been arrested.