AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2432, 4 January 1881, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Thi.egkaph,] Melbourne, Dec. 28. Captain Payne, ex-harbor-master, has commenced an action against the Government for additional compensation. The exhibition annexes are to be utilised for a railway station. Sir R. Barry’s will is sworn under £10,000; Mr Lyster’s under £BOOO. Pilot Gaunson, a brother of the Chairman of Committees, was drowned at Queenscliff on Christmas Day, Infalling from the pier. His body was subsequently recovered. The steamer Genie brings news of the Marquis de Hay’s expedition. The captain reports that on his arrival at New Ireland it was resolved that the site for the new colony should be Port Breton, in the south-west of New Ireland. No time was lost in getting the combined crews and settlers to clear the land for cultivation, and in building houses. Five houses were completed and one building removed from Liki Liki to the new settlement. The buildings were distributed over about two miles. The colonists are comfortable, and working vigorously. They comprise two classes, one connected with the Marquis De Bays’ company, and the others free settlers. There are two harbors, half a mile apart; one named New English and the other New Irish Cove. The anchorage is deep, and a splendid stream of water runs into each harbor. The formation of roads is proceeding steadil3 r , one to Liki, a distance of five miles. The captain of the Genie spent several hours there. Those on shore enjoyed good health.and were contented with their prospects. The libel action Dr McLoughlin, of the Sorata, against the “ Port Adelaide News,” concluded on Thursday, with a verdict for defendant.