AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2597, 18 July 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne July 12. The new Ministers assumed control of their Departments yesterday. It appears likely several will be opposed on their re-election, though nothing definite is decided. The new Minstry are spoken of in the most uncomplimentary terms by the Press generally. The general opinion outside is that it is only the stopgap for a Coalition Ministry, which it is well known that several prominent men on both sides desire. The Ocean was admitted to pratique after an examination by the health officer. Seventy-two landed in Melbourne, and upwards of two hundred remain on board awaiting their return to Sydney. Amongst the passengers on board is a Chinese merchant, who complains strongly of the circumstances attendant on the detention of the vessel on the voyage. He states he will send a full statement of the treatment received at Sydney to the authorities at Pekin. Manting, the landlady of the Clarendon Hotel, and her barmaid, were committed for trial for robbing a mining manager of £3B whilst intoxicated. Perth. More specimens of gold are believed to have been obtained from the vicinity of Northern. Mr Toodijoy, of Parting Range, has reported that a party has gone to make a close prospect. Government have given valuable help in the way of appliances to the party . A verdict was obtained against Sterling Bros, for libel, by the editor of the “West Australian.” The Judge’s address to the jury was greatly in favor of defendants. The verdict was received with great surprise. The defendants were fined £SO, the costs of the prosecution being disallowed.