AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2368, 19 October 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] [Per Tarurua at Russell.] A PUBLICANS’ RUSH. FARMERS’ PROTECTION AGITATION. IMPORTANT GOLD DISCOVERIES. RAILWAY RUBBISH EXPOSED. NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, Oct. 13. The Hydra rush in the Cooma district proved a rank duffer. The original prospector who hoisted a red flag was a local publican. A meeting of farmers at Carcoar adopted a resolution to use their influences to secure the passing by Parliament of 'ad valorem duties on a sliding scale on imported produce from the other colonies. An advertised meeting of the committee appointed at a recent public meeting to arrange for subscriptions to recoup the “ Evening News ’’ the fine and costs of the recent contempt ease lapsed, only three being present besides the reporters. It is stated in some quarters that the requisite arrangements were previously made, and consequently the committee did not attend, but that the subscription was proceeding. A prospect of a grain and a half to the dish has been washed at a claim on the back lands at Bermagin, causing a little rush there again, but the field is regarded as exceedingly doubtful, and there are too many miners there already. It is reported that four bodies have been washed ashore fifteen miles to the north of Bermagin. They are supposed to be the remains of a party, including Lamont, the Government geologist, whose boat was previously found staved on the beach.

Recent discoveries of gold have been made on the banks of Waladilly Creek, Tcmora, and great importance is attached to this, as the nature of the strata and wash is believed to indicate that a new lead following the old bed of the river has been struck. The excitement at Tangor rush near Beda, has increased. 100 men are on the ground, but the authorities regard the rush as unimportant. VICTORIA. The night opening of the Exhibition continues to be much debated. The New South Wales Commissioners have sent back their invitations to the proposed conversazione. Several of the Foreign Commissioners notify that they will close their court with substantial shutters it the building Is lighted on Thursday night. Mr Berry, speaking at dunes on Oct. 7, stated that ho would introduce the Reform Bill immediately Parliament reassembled. The rumor that 120 post officials are to be dismissed is officially contradicted.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

An immigration vote for £15,000 has passed the Assembly with but little opposition. An amendment io reduce the amount to £SOOO was withdrawn. In the Assembly, West Erskine severely animadverted on the conduct of the Agent-General in reference to the defective rails supplied by Gilks & Co., of Middleton, for the Port Augusta railway. He charged him with a series of blunders. The Treasurer defended the Agent-General, but the Commissioner of Works admitted that possibly he had committed an error of judgment in allowing shiploads of defective rails to leave England after attention had been called to the fraud which was being committed. QUEENSLAND. A Bill to reduce the Supreme Court Judges from three to two passed the assembly. The opposition have resolved not to allow the session to close till the Supreme Court has decided if Premier Mcllwraith and Colonial Secretary Palmer have forfeited their seats by acting ns Government contractors. This will depend on the issue of the case, Mills v. Mcllwraith now subjudice.