AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2590, 9 July 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Br Telegraph.] (Per s.§. Wakatipu, at Wellington.) Sydney, July 2. There are serious disputes at Newcastle between the men and mine masters. Several meetings of miners been held, and a strike seems imminent.

The case against John Cocks, for causing the death of Peter Buckley by supplying him with liquor was concluded yesterday at the Water Police Court. Messrs McLean and Penfold were on the Bench, and differed in their conclusions, the former believing that no case had been made out. Mr Penfold, however, thought there was a prima facie case against defendant, and said he would take the responsibility of committing him for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

A man named Allen was apprehended in Hyde Park on a charge of mendicancy, on whom, when searched at the watch house, was found money and securities for money, to the amount of nearly £I2OO. He was sentenced to bo imprisoned for fourteen days. It is stated that the P. and 0. Company are making arrangements for competing more extensively for the passenger and carrying trade between England and Australia. The intend to start a line guaranteed to average 15 knots an hour.

Melbourne, June 30,

The English fish per steamer Cuzco, was sold by auction and realised good prices. Salmon brought 5s 3d to 5a fid, turbot 2s fid, cod Is 7d. All the fish are in prime condition. The total sale realised £3OOO. The Postmaster-General has made some radical alterations in the details of his department by which a large amount will be saved in the inland mail service. The money order system is also to be extended to other countries.

The Mayor’s ball at the Town Hall to night was a brilliant affair. About two thousand were present, including the Princes and the Governor. The list of candidates for matriculation were posted to-day. Of three who passed with credit two are girls.

Brisbane, June 30,

With reference to the massacre of the crew of the schooner May Queen, it appears that a boat went ashore at Aoba on May 22, when 200 natives came down to the beach and trade was exchanged. The attack was quite unprovoked, and wound up in a fearful combat. Two of the crew escaped, and after swimming for four hours succeeded in attracting the notice of the schooner, but as there were no boats left, they had to construct a raft. The two rescued were covered with wounds. It is difficult to obtain a full account of the massacre.

Adelaide.

The Court for the trial of disputed returns found Mr Murray, the member for Jataba, was, through his agents, guilty of acts of bribery, and have unseated him, and ordered him to pay £SO costs. The Court did not declare Mr Cavanagh, the petitioning member, elected, so it is presumed there will be a fresh election. By law Mr Murray cannot stand again until next election. The railway to Beltana, the end of the first section of the Great Northern Railway, which is to be opened on Monday,is 144 miles from Port Augusta. Trains will run each way three days a week.

Perth, June 30.

In consequence of the outbreak of smallpox at Sydney, Government have notified that all vessels arriving from that port or having touched there will be quarantined.