AUSTRALIAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 112, 25 July 1885, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, July 16.— The ship North American, which left Melbourne for London February 19, is missing, and grave fears a:e entertained for her safety. The colonies of Mew Zealand, New South Wales, and Victoria, have agreed to a reduction of tariff for cable messages passing over their lines by one - half, but they consider that in that case they are entitled to a substantial concession at the hands of the Cable Company. Communications are being exchanged on the subject, and a favourable issue to the negotiations is looked for. Melbourne, July 17.— The coursing for the Victorian Waterloo Cup concluded today, and resulted in a win for Rhodante, the runner up being Siesta. Melbourne, July 17.- Mr Murray Smith, the Victorian Agent-General in London, telegraphs to the Government that Sir Saul Samuel, the Agent General for New South Wales, has been instructed by his Government to urge the postponement of the Federation Enabling Bill so as to admit of extensive alteration being made in the measure. The Victorian Premier (Mr i Service) has invited the other colonies to protest against the delay, and has received a reply from the Tasmanian Government agreeing to join in the protest. "Melbourne, July 20.— Mr Service has telegraphed to Sir Alex. Stuart that in order to remove all obstacles to a perfect understanding between the colonies on the Federation question, the Victorian Government is willing to withdraw its opposition to clause 31 if the Enabling Bill is passed in its original form, provided that the other colonies agreed to do likewise. Melbourne," July 21.— Mr Service has received a communication from the Queens land Government,agreeing to withdraw their protest against the postponement of the Federation Enabling Bill, and accordingly telegraphed to Mr Murray Smith, the Vic- I torian Agent-General, instructing him to withdraw opposition to Clause 31 as originally framed by the Convention, Sir Alex. Stuart subsequently telegraphed to Mr Service stating that the Government of ISew South Wales is desirous to retain the clause in its present form, and that in view of the other amendments they wished to introduce in the measure. The agreement proposed by Mr Service is impossible. Mr Service thereupon wired to Mr Murray Smith to use his utmtfst endeavours to let nothing stop the progress of that bill. Sydnby, July 16.— The Premier, Sir Alexander Stuart, has forwarded a telegram to Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for the Colony, informing him that the Federation Enabling Bill will not be acceptable to New South Wales if clause 31 be

omitted, and that it Is questionable if the bill will be adopted even if the clause ia retained, The consideration of the bill in committee has been postponed. Sir Saul Samuel has submitted further amendments in the bill. Sydney, July 17.— New Zealand wheat, 2s 9d, a decline of 3d during the week. Now Zealand oats, Id lower, viz., 2s ldj maize, per 56ibs, 3s. The Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces remain at £26. Pollard has declined Id, and is now realising lid per bushel ; potatoes have advanced 5s per ton, and are quoted at £3 ss. Sydney, July 18.— Owing to the uneaßy feeling prevailing in England at the present time, the New South Wales Government have deoided to withdraw the projected loan of five and a-half millions. Sir Saul Samuel, Agjent-General for New South Wales, has written a letter to the "Times" embodying a despatch received by him from the Hon. G. R. Dibbs, Treasurer of that colony, in which he vindicates the credit of New South Wales, Adelaide, July 17. — The wheat market is firm, shipping parcels realising £3 10s to £4 ; flour quoted at £7 5s to £7 12s 6d ; country brands, £8 6s, town sorts. Hobabt, July 16. —Two men, named Rice and O'Keefe, who were recently arrested by the Tasmanian police for complicity in the Beaconsfield bank robbery, were brought up before the Hobart Magistrates yesterday for examination. After hearing the evidence of covict Ward, who is know undergoing sentence for the same robbery, and who has turned Queen's evidence against Rice and O'Keefe. The Bench committed prisoners for trial.