AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2467, 14 February 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

(Per Albion at the Bluff.)

Melbourne, Eeb. 8.

The dearth of general news continues. "Ministers are engaged in departmental work, and politics are completely in abeyance until the meeting of Parliament next week. The election for East Melbourne is taking place to day. The contest lies between Walsh, a Constitutionalist, and Levi, a Liberal, Coppin and W. Gauuson having retired, owing to Perry having indicated that he considered Levi the better candidate. News has been received at Government House of the death of Captain Russell, R.N., brother of the Marchioness of Norman by. Berry, speaking last night at a tea meeting, said he would persevere with the Reform Bill until it was passed. Patterson is determined to proceed immediately with the construction of a line from Wodonga to the banks of the Murray, at a cost of £130,000, out of the funds of the last loan.

During the past week three more old colonists have died—James Blackwood, of Dalgetty, Blackwood and Co., and his brothei, Richard Blackwood, who died suddenly on boark the Protos, and Thomas Napier, one of the pioneers in colonising Port Phillip. Blackwood’s funeral was very numerously attended, 1130 carriages following the hearse. A splendid rainfall is reported from the interior, doing immense good. M. S. Gardner, of Bundoora Park, shipped ten yearlings by the Albion, including Lurline’s colt, Coquett, : half brother to Progress, Beashell, Ace of Hearts, Royal Heart, and Topsy. It is stated that all the yearlings are in line condition.

Comptoir do Escompte de Paris lias opened a branch in Melbourne to facilitate the transaction of direct business between Australasia and the Continent.

/ NEW SOUTH WALES, Th'e'.inedical advisers of . the : Bishop of Sydney "have: .decided that he uiust visittjle German baths.- lie accordingly leaves for Europe in March. The steamer Collaruy still holds together but is becoming more deeply embedded in the sand. The Marino Board held an enquiry, and decided that the 'stranding was due to the wrongful act of the mate and master, who failed to take proper precautions. They are consequently called upon to show cause why their certificates should not be suspended. Frequent reports come from Temora of the discovery of nuggets, and several good returns are reported.