AUSTRALIAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 39, 1 March 1884, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, February 22. — Sir Charles Sladen, M.L.C., who has been ill for some time past, died to-day, aged 68. Melbourne, February 22. — Messrs C. S. Ross and Co., of this city, report sale of kauri timber, ex ship 3 Vision and Grasmere, at the following average prices, per 100 feet super :— Hewn logs, 12s ; sawn flitches, 14s 6d ; sawn boards, 1 inch, ISs ; ditto, 1£ to 3 inches, 16s 6d The market is dull.

Melbourne, February 23. The "Age" to-day publishes a telegram from its special correspondent at Hobart stating that while the Union Cos. steamship Wairarapa was racing the steamship Adelaide to the Heads, a collision occurred between the two vessels when nearing the Swanspit Light. The stem of the Wairarapa struck and the plate was dinted to a depth of three inches above the cook's berth, which is much damaged. It is estimated that the repairs to the Wairarapa will cost fully fc'l,ooo. The correspondent of the ' ' Age " declares that the passengers on board expressed great indignation at the occurrence. Melbourne, Feb. 25. — The " Argus " to-day publishes a telegram confirming the news of the collision between the steamers Wairarapa and Adelaide. They state that the Wairarapa threw the gauntlet to the Adelaide to race. The damage sustained by the latter vessel is very slight. Mr Bolan, late Inspector-General of Schools, died suddenly yesterday. Melbourne, February 25.— 1t is probable that an official inquiry will be held into the collision between the steamer Adelaide and the Wairarapa at Hobart on Saturday last. Sydney", February 22,— New Zealand wheat has fallen to 3s 4d per bushel, and New Zealand oats to 2s 9d. Maize remains at 4s, and the Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces at £34 per ton. Adelaide, February 22. — Wheat is quoted to-day at 3s lid to 4s f.o.b. The market 'is quiet. Flour : Town brand, £9 12s 6d to £9 15s j country ditto, £8 10s to £8 12s 6d. Brisbane, February 21. — A severe gale, accompanied by torrents of rain, passed over Northern Queensland to-day. "Disastrous floods, causing immense damage to property, occurred at Cooktown, where 24 (sic) inches of rain fell within 24 hours. Shipping along the coast also sustained I severe damage irom the effects of the gale. Brisbane, Feb. 25. — Heavy rains, followed by disastrous floods, have been exEerienced at Townsville. Four Chinamen aye been drowned, and two other persons are missing.