AUSTRALIA,

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2576, 23 June 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIA,

[Reuter’s Agency,J

Sydney, June 22.

In view of the continued absence of fresh cases, there seems every reason to believe that smallpox has been stamped out. The steamship Rotomahana, which arrived yesterday afternoon from Hassell, has landed her ’passengers, but the captain declines to allow any further contact with the shore until he is advised from New Zealand how to act.

News has been received from the Islands that the chief murderer of Lieutenant Bower has been caught and executed at the scene of the Sandfly massacre. Owing to the absence of any fresh case of smallpox, the public scare in regard to the outbreak has considerably subsided. Melbourne, June 22. It is announced that the detached squadron will remain here for another three weeks, but the future movements of the vessels are uncertain. A caucus of Opposition members was held yesterday, to consider the proposed vote of want of confidence. No decision was come to, and the meeting adjourned until to day. The motion of want of confidence was not brought on in the Assembly last night, as was expected. A desultory discussion took place in regard to the proposed motion, but nothing definite was decided. It is considered probable, however, that it will be introduced today by Sir Bryan O’Loghlen or Mr Grant. Adelaide, June 22. The Hon G. Hawke, who was entrusted with the formation of a new Ministry, consequent on the retirement of the Hon W. Morgan, to the Governor his inability to complete the task, and the Hon John Colton accordingly has been summoned by His Excellency to undertake the formation of a Government.