AUSTRALIAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 150, 17 April 1886, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Adelaide, April 7,—The trial of the defaulting officials of the Commercial Bank of ' South Australia concluded to-day, when Crooks, the manager, was sentenecl to eight years' imprisonment; and Wilson, the accountant, to six years. Melbourne, April 9.—Mr Richard Goldsbrough, founder of the firm of Messrs H. Goldabrough and Company (Limited), woolbrokers, died to day, aged' 65. Melbourne, April 7.—lt is announced that Mr Denhani, Postmaster-General of Victoria, has accepted tho proposals put forward by Lord Wolverton, the British Postmaster-Genera), for the establishment of a parcels post between England and the colonies. The papers record the sudden death of Captain Francis, of heart disease. He was formerly Commander of the steamers Wei lington and Taranaki, on the New Zealand Coast.

Wreck on the Australian Coast. Melbourne, April 10. The barque South Melton, bound from Mauritius to Melbourne, has been wrecked near Bar won Heads. She struck on a reef and sank in nine fathoms of water, her masts being submerged as far as the topsails. The captain and crow are saved. Sydney, April 9.—The Government expect to have a majority when the division is taken on Sir Henry Parkes's motion on the New Hebrides question. Brisbane, April S. Tho trial of Captain Sorenson, master of the schooner Donro, for malpractices in connection with the island labour trade, was concluded to-day, anH accused was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. Sydnby, this day.—The German man-o'-war Albatross has returned here from the Islands. During her cruise she inflicted severe punishment on the natives of New Ireland and New Britain Groups for their murders of Euro peans. Three villages wore shelled, 40 natives killed, and a large number wounded. Scott and Edwards commenced their sixday's walking match this morning. Sydney, April 13 —At ten o'clock tonight, Scott had accomplished ISS miles to Edwards's IS2.

["AGE" SPECIAL.] Noy Hebrides dues lion. ; London, April 4.-The I' Fall Mall Gazette" and "Standard" comment upon the proposal that France should bo permitted to annex tho New Hebrides. Both the journals named applaud the firmness of Victoria and other colonies in opposing any compromise, and they justify this antagonism for the reason that not sufficient guarantee is offered them that the agreement as to transportation of convicts will be permanently respected. The German Government have intimated their concurrance with the proposal for the

annexation of New Hebrides by France under which the last named Powers will guarantee the exclusion of convicts from

tne Island. Sir Dillon Bell has ineimated that hia instructions are to support the proposals for French annexation only on condition that the fulfilment of the promise made by France that she will not send criminals to the Islands is secured by the signing of a separate treaty, the signatures to whicn might possibly include the United States.

Australian Cricketing Tour. A letter bearing the signature of Lord Harris appears in the "Standard" this morning, relative- to the apprpaching'visit of anothor Australian cricketing eleven, in which the writer criticises the pecuniary arrangements under which they will play. Lord Harris objects to the principle of the Melbourne Club pocketing the profit of the tour, and expresses the hope that the members team will vary the conditions and divide the proceeds amongst them. The "Standard," of Saturday, contains some comments on the letter signed by Lori Harris. The "Standard" dis agrees with Lord Harris in regard to expressßd hope that the team will divide the profits amongst them, and argues that the new departure will elevate the members of the eleven above the standard of professionals and operate coaimendably rather than otherwise. Mr O'Dougherty, who was formerly a member of the Queensland Legislative Council, but who at the last general clectiona waa elected to roprescnt Meathm the House of Commons, has notified his intention of moving that; members of colonial Legislatures should be permitted to take part in the debates in the House of Commons without the right vote. Earl Granville is taking steps for the organisation of an emigration scheme which is to deal specially with the emigra tion question mighe possibly include America.