AUSTRALIAN Sydney, April 29.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 153, 8 May 1886, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN Sydney, April 29.

In the Legislative Assembly last night a motion, brought forward by Wm. Calrke for the imposition duties on imported preduce, was negatived by 45 voteeto2 l. The duties it was proposed to levy were as follow : Grain and pulse of all kinds, 6d per bushel ; barley and oate, 4d per bushel ; hay and chaff, 6d per hundredweight ; flour and meal, 203 per ton ; bran and pollard, Id per bushel ; potatoes, 10s per ton. Sydney, April 30. — The conference between the Premiers of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and Admiral Tryon on the Bubject of a concerted scheme for the defence of the Australian eea board, has concluded its sittings. The result is not yet made public, but it is expected that ' it will tranep're on Monday next. Sydney, April 30.— The Bank of New South Wales has declared a dividend for the half-year at the rate 17£ per cent, per annum. Mr Graham Berry is expected to arrive here on Monday. Sydney, May 1. — After the conclusion of the defence conference, the Premiers of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queenßlaud. discussed the New Guinea question, and it isundtr>-totd they have arrived at a mutual understanding, based on th«» memo. issued by Mr Griffiths, Premier of Queensland on the subject, some slight modifications being introduced into his scheme. The Australasian colonies not represented at the conference will be consulted, and the proposals will then be submitted for the approval of the Imperial Government. Melbourne, May 3.— A comet of great brilliancy has made its appearance, and is visible all over Victoria. Melbourne, May 3. The latest account'of the health of Mr Justice Molesworth is that he is better. Adelaide, May 3. -The South Australian section of the trunk railway between Melbourne and Adelaide has been opened,