AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2770, 8 February 1882, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per Te Anau at the Bluff.) Melbouene, Jan. 31. The Eussian squadron will remain here about three weeks, and the vessels williprobably be docked. Sir John O’Shanassy intends spend ing two months in New Zealand. A sensation was caused at the Geelong races by all persons in the enclosure set apart for the totalisator being arrested. The Club had let a piece of ground to Franck on which to work the totalisator and the police waited till the race

for the Gold Cup was over and then arrested all present, numbering 19 persons. The case was heard at Geelong yesterday, and the majority of the Bench dismissed it, the Police Magistrate dissenting. The action of the police is very unpopular. George Searcy, a well-known cricketer, bus been arrested for embezzling between £6OO and £7OO from the Metropolitan Building Society, of which he was cashier. The prisoner, stung by remorse, confessed, and subsequently gave himself up. The case will be sent to the sessions. Destructive bush fires have occurred in various'parts of the colony, and the losses of, farmers are considerable. Fencing, crops, grass and sheep have been destroyed and several narrow escapes from loss of life are reported. At Lancefield on Sunday serious fears were entertained that the town would be destroyed, but fortunately a change of wind drove the flames back. Harvest returns continue very satis* factory, and in many instances results are much beyond expectations. Shipments are being sent direct to Belgium* and trade generally is satisfactory. , Sydney* Jan. 31, The Colonial- Company’s Tisana, recently chartered by the A.S.N. Company,went ashore near Seal Eocks,Point. An unsuccessful attempt was niade'to float her. , • 1: . A suspicious, case was reported from Pyrmont yesterday. It is believed the smallpox has reached there from Sydney. The Junee railway station, a wooden structure which cost the Government £3OOO, the best and njost commodious on the line to ■ Alb,as; iwoil destrojed. by firel ; j.V ,