AUSTRALIA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2459, 4 February 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

[Eeutee’s Agency.l A Bond of Union. Melbourne, Feb. 3, The railway between Gerogery and Albury, New South Wales, was opened to-day, and communication between Melbourne and Sydney is now completed. The opening ceremony was performed by the Hon John Lackey, of New South Wales, Minister for Public Works, who formally declared the line open and delivered a congratulatory address, in the of which he expatiated upon the benefits to be derived bj r the completion of communication between Melbourne and Sydney.. The Hon Graham Berry, the Hon J B. Patterson, Sir Henry Parkes, and' Sir Patrick Jennings were present,, together with an assemblage of fully 2000 persons. The whole passed off.' with great eclat, and were followed by" a luncheon. A grand ball and supper-to-night will conclude the festival. Exhibition Awards.

The following further Exhibition awards have been announced :—First prize: C. A. Palmer, Waimea West, Nelson, for hops. Second prizes: W. Cuddou, of Christchurch, for malt Thomas Harley, of Nelson, for hops;, and malt; S. Manning and Co., o£ Christchurch, for malt and barley; Ward and Co., of Christchurch, for malt; Chamber of Commerce, Oatnaru, for photographs of Oamaru; N. KChernll, of Christchurch, Clifford and. Morris, of Dunedin, and J. J. Taylor, of Motueka, Nelson, for photograhs.. Third prizes: W. Cuddon, of Christchurch, for malt; P. Cunningham and'. Co., of Christchurch, for malt; J.. Bragge and W. B. Gibbs, of Wellington and Burton, of Dunedim, for photographs. Arrest for Murder. Sydney - , Feb. 3. Two men have been arrested at Eanabalong, charged with the murder of James O’Marr, in 1876.