AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 219, 25 November 1859, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ITEMS.

The Queensland Free Press says:—" Reports have been received from the Condarane of another massacre on the Dawson by those devils the blacks, the victims being Mr. Walker, late commandant of the Native Police, Mr. Frank Wilson, and Mr. George Gilmore. There is another but his name is not yet ascertained. The particulars of this lamentable affair are somewhat imperfect at present, but as far as can be ascertained, the whole party were killed with the exception of a black boy, who made his escape, and gave information of the circumstance."

The same journal also states, that " Rain has at length, fallen, muoh to the relief of the district, as both water and grass were becoming scarce. Shearing, has commenced on many Btatidns, but men are somewhat scarce, owing to the attraction of the Tooloom gold-fields." Two men, named Patrick Glynn and Sylvester O'SuHivan, were recently drowned in the river at Moreton Bay. They were passengers on board the steamer Hawk, and having been drinking, at length got to fighting, when they both fell overboard and were drowned.

A German named Henry Bauer was killed by falling from a dray, near Armidale, a few day^:ttgQ r .Qne of the wheels of which passed over liiS-chest. "■■"". ■. : ~"■/" ■• , •

Tbe very low price of potatoes at Hobart Town, of which there is an abundance, has induced a Mr. Sloper, of Hospital Bay, to attempt the manufacture of arrowroot, which has been attended with great success, the samples being considered equal to any of foreign importation. The refiise is said to be very good for fattening cattle.

The first of a series of " People's Concerts," under the management of Mr. T. V. Bridson, was given in the great hall of the Sydney Exchange. It will be remembered that a Bimilar series, for the same object, was commenced a few weeks since in the Temperance Hall; but, im consequence (it is stated) of the want of harmony unhappily existing at present between the Alliance Committee and the trustees of the Hall, the concerts were discontinued. Such being the result with regard to the concerts, Mr. Bridson, with a most praiseworthy motive—his object being to furnish a counter-attraction to the ale house and other resorts of a questionable character—has determined o», and made arrangements for, giving a series of twelve concerts in the Exchange. The twa distinguishing characteristics of these concerts are to be, excellence in the performances, and cheapness. If an equal degree of efficiency in the performances to that which attached to the inaugural concert last night is maintained throughput the series, and at the same prices of admission, those two characteristics—quality and cheapness—will be fully realised. The undertaking will involve a considerable outlay, but the enterprising projector relies on the patronage of the public for indemnification. The programme for last night consisted of a judicious selection of popular pieces, comprising a great variety of good music. The artistes engaged for the occasion were: Mrs. Bridson, Madame Flora Harris, Miss Ryan (amateur), Mr. Paoker, Mr. Banks, Mr. Sussmilch, and Mr. Leveson—the list of names being a sufficient guarantee that the musical treat was of a superior character. The romantic ballad " The Maid of Caehmere" was exquisitely rendered by Mrs. Bridson, and elicited a rapturous encore. Madame Flora Harris sang with her customary taste and sweetness throughout the evening, and, in the ballad "The Fairy's Well" was loudly encored. Mr. Banks created infinite amusement by his rendering of the comic song ••' Beautiful Mrs. Crop," and, in response to an encore, sang "The Man in the Moon." The efforts of both vocalists and instrumentalists were received with frequent tokens of approvalby the audience which was large, highly respectable, and discriminating.

The Rev. C. F., Brigstocke, for a number of years incumbent of St. Clement's Church, Yass, died on Tuesday week, at the age of 53.

Randwick and Waverley have been appointed places where Petty Sessions may be held.