DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1218, 12 March 1880, Page 2

DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(reutek : s telegram pee beess association. ) Sydney, March 11. The action for LIO,OOO damages for slander brought by Mr. John Shepherd, M.L.A., against Mr. J. P. Dibbs, merchant, for uttering an alleged slander charging Shepherd with immoral conduct with Mrs. J. C. Dibbs, for whom he was acting as solicitor in a suit in the Divorce Court, has resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff with L2OOO damages. The Stamp Duties Bill, which was sent a second time to the Legislative Council, has been again rejected by that Chamber on constitutional points. Arrived—Union Company's Wakatipu, from Wellington. In consequence of the Council's rer jection of the Stamps Bill, Sir Henry Parkes intends to take action for vindicating the privileges of the Assembly.

Melbourne, March 11

A most enthusiastic meeting of those interested in pastoral affairs was held to-day, for the purpose qf promoting a company to engage in the meatrfreezing process. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned, March 13,

It is stated here that Governor Weld has accepted the Governorship of the Straits Settlements in succession to Sir William Robinson, who has gone to Western Australia, Messrs, M'Meckan and Blackwood's steamship Claud Hamilton has been purchased by Nipper and See, produce merchants of Sydney and Melbourne,