MELBOURNE NEWS.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 18 August 1864, Page 5

MELBOURNE NEWS.

The following is a brief epitome of the news to hand per the mail steamer Aldinga. We have files to tho Ilth inst. inclusive. Prior to the arrival of the mail, American news, via Sydney, had been received by way of San* Francisco to the 9th June. San Francisco dates were Ilth June. A telegram at that time states that the re-nomi-nation of Abraham Lincoln, as President, "was hailed by the peoplo with the utmost demonstrations of joy." Tho Clodian, from San Francisco, brings 11,000 bags flour, and 6000 sacks wheat. Flour in San Francisco, at latest dates, was selling at 8 dol. to 8 dol. 50 cents, for best brands. Wheat, 2i cents, to 2£ cents, per pound. On the morning of the 3rd inst., the execution of the three bank robbers, Harrison, Woods, and Carver took place. The conduct of the three unhappy men was singular, in being so very much at variance. They each addressed the concourse assembled to witness the sad spectacle. Harrison spoke first, and tried to vindicate himself — that he did not consider he had committed any great crime — that ho had tried to effect all the good in his power on society, and much more of the same import, in a rambling and incoherent style. Woods next was brought out, but his conduct is something repulsive to read of, much less to witness. He anathematised Phillips and Anderson in the strongest language, and vowed that if he had had them in his cell the previous night he would havo done something to deserve hanging. He also prayed a fearful imprecation on his head if he intentionally fired the pistol. Carver presented another contrast, hoping his punishment would prove a warning. Woods afterwards spoke, cursing his enemies and forgiving his friends. He then Bung a few lines of & song to suit tho occasion] After tho execution, we observe there has been a fight for the dead mon's brains amongst the medical men in Melbourne, of the most unseemly description. Roberts, the great billiard player, is creating a furore in Melbourne. His playing commenced on the 2nd inst., when his first antagonist wai Mr. John Lamb, the Australian champion. The game was 1,000 up. Lamb received 350. At the finish, they stood thus : — Roberts, 1,000 ; Lamb, 74-3 ; time, 3 hours 39 minuees. Second match, on 4th August, Lamb received 400 in 1,000. At the close, he scored 809 against the 1,000 of Roberts. Third mateh — Roberts and Mr. Bergin, of the Albion Hotel billiard rooms. Bergin received 500 points, bat Roberts won easily, scoring 1,000, while his opponent added only 357 points to his allowance. The fourth match was played with Mr. NorclifTe, he receiving 500 points ; but he only increased his figures to 738, when the champion had made 1,001. A gentleman amateur played the next match, and got 500 points to start with, but only added 297 more, when the game was up. A third match with Lamb was played, he receiving 450 points. At the end the figures were — Roberts, 1000 ; Lamb, 72*1. Mr. NorclifTe then played the champion for 500 points, he receiving 250. but at the close he only scored 463. Next night, Norcliffe received 600 points out of 1000, and only was beat by 1 point. A similar match was repaated, but he this time only stcivd 918. The play of Roberts is much admired.