AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2652, 20 September 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph,] (Per Arawata, at the Bluff.) Melbourne, Sept. 14 The Coroner’s inquiry into the railway accident was continued on the Bth. Mr Smiles, Locomotive Superintendent, attributes the breakage of the wheel to a sudden jolting of the rails. If the broken tire had come under his notice he would have condemned it. The “ Argus,” replying to comments in the opposition Press, says Government can come to no decision on the question of their liability for the recent railway accident until the enquiry is completed, when, if negligence is proved, the claims will be fairly met. Dr Plummer intends putting aside a portion of his estate at Gisborne, with a view to securing a continuous supply of genuine lymph from cows. The Hon W. J. Clarko has placed his herds at the doctor’s disposal to assist him in attaining his object. Goldsbrough’s sheep sale terminated on the 9th with Tasmanian lots. A ram belonging to Messrs Gibson and son fetched three hundred and thirty guineas, and another of Mr James Gibson’s three hundred. The prices were, altogether, exceptionally good. The Frozen Meat Company received a telegram from London advising that the average price of the Protos’ mutton was sixpence. This is considered most satisfactory, and the Company is taking additional precautions to ensure greater perfection in next shipments. At a Liberal demonstration at Ballarat on the 12th Mr Berry made a long speech criticising Sir Bryan O’Loghlen’s Government, and giving a resume of the proceedings and aims of the Liberal party since 1875. He took full credit for the recent Reform Bill, and urged his audience to avail themselves of it by returning Liberals. He finally recommended his party to work together and abolish plural voting. Mr Vale also spoke. He considered the Governor partial in granting a dissolution to Mr Service, and refusing Mr Berry. The meeting carried a resolution expressing confidence in the late Ministry. Delegates of the Reform League met afterwards, and adopted a programme for the Liberal party. They passed a motion against the proposed enquiry into the Education Act,

The Melbourne Presbytery in a sitting lasting nine hours, had a warm debate on Bth regarding the recent speech of Mr Stewart, the leader of Scots Church, which was listened to by the Rev. Charles Strong without the latter commenting on the same. Although efforts were made by opponents of the Rev Mr Wilson by resolutions to secure an adjournment of the debate, Mr Wilson’s friends pushed the matter to a conclusion. Resolutions were carried that Mr Stewart had misrepresented the action of the Presbytery in Mr Strong’s case; that he had misrepresented the standards of the Church, and should be required to express regret at having done so; (3) that the imputation of dishonesty against those professing adherence to the Church standards be implicitly withdrawn. A fourth resolution, reflecting on the silence of Mr Strong, was pressed. On the proceedings being resumed on the 10th, RovMr Wilson moved —“ That as Mr Stewart has not retracted the imputations of dishonesty, the Presbytery express their disapproval, and censure him ; also, for his contemptuous misrepresentation of the standards, he be not allowed to again sit in the Presbytery.” After four hours’ debate, the motion was carried by 32 against 9. Sydney, Sept 14. The Governor’s Aide-de-Camp caught a thief in tiie act of rifling pockets in an office of Government House. Tbe thief boldly avowed his intention of ransacking the place. Two additional cases of smallpox occurred on the 12th at Woolahara. The house was quarantined. The final heat for the Whisky Trophy on the Bth instant was witnessed by large crowds. There was fresh wind from the north against the rowers. A good start was effected, Laycock and Edwards being the outsider*, and Pearce and Power inside. Edwards secured a slight advantage at starting, but Pearce quickly gained three quarters of a length, with Laycock close behind. Within a mile from the start the latter began to forge ahead, soon gaining a clear length in advance of Pearce, the others being far behind. Nearing Putney, Laycock was three lengths ahead, which he increased. Passing Breakfast Point, Pearce was rowing well and made several spurts, to which Laycock always responded. Ultimately Laycock eased off and allowed Pearce to come within a length and a quarter. Passing the post, Power was a length behind. Edwards pulled up a mile from home. Time—23rain 6sec, Adelaide, Sept. 14. On the 30th June, the Savings Bank had credit deposits amounting to £1,249,000, being an increase on last year of £218,000.