AUSTRALIAN CABLE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1715, 24 March 1888, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN CABLE.

Melbourne, March 21.

Several Indian army agents have arrived here to purchase horses for army purposes in India, The maximum price offered is £SO.

Some time ago a torpedo was lost in Hobson’s Bay and has never been seen since. This afternoon it exploded near vVilliamstown, causing great consternation.

March 22. Sailed—Rotomahana for the Bluff, Arrived—Waihora from the Bluff. Sydney, March 21,

In the House of Assembly last night reference was made in strong terms to the action of the Imperial Government regarding the Divorce Extension Bill. Mi J. 0, Weild, member for Paddington, announced hia intention of re-introducing the Bill, pointing out that it bad already been affirmed by Parliament. The Eight Hours Bill was thrown out in Committee.

March 22.

Sailed—Wairarapa, for Russell. Two other corporations have discovered frauds fey their officers. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the Bourke town clerk, in consequence of defalcations which have been discovered in hia accounts. At another place it has been found that payments hare been made three times over for work. The engineer in the latter case is suspected of complicity in the fraud.

Several more tram accidents have curred recently, This morning a man was knocked down by a tram m°t°V and killed. Government intend to solicit joint action on the part of the colonies, in asking the Imperial Government to legislate to prevent to Chinese coming to Australia at all.

Adelaide, March 21

The exodus of South Australian farmers still continues. Large numbers of agriculturists are leaving this golqny every ?eek for Vio,torja and other colonies, o-day' a deputation of farmers waited on the Commissioner of Crown Lands, In tha course of the interview it was stated that abject poverty was staring the farmers in the face. The deputation asked for relief from thp, Government, poinfipg out that it’ vpas utterly impossible for the farmers of the colony to battle against the difficulties which hampered them unless some assistance was held out to them. They asked that the Government should either distribute seed wheat to all Crown tenants actually engaged in agricultural pursuits, or chat they should be allowed t} remission of their rent. The Commissioner promised that he would carefully consider eactj q,asa on fts merits.

March 22.

The Moonta Copper Mines, owing to the recent rise in shares, now show a working profit of £60,000. Brisbane, March 20.

All doubts as to the loss of the Eastminster have been dispelled by the finding of a portion of the bow with the name of

the vessel thereon in Manifold Bay, to the north of Keppell Bav. Cooktown, March 21.

The pearling expedition from the eastern and of New Guinea has returned, the venture being a failure. The water was found to be too deep, and fever became very prevalent. Six of the divers died within a month.

Hobart, March 21

The R.M.S. Ruapehu arrived here at six o’clock this morning. She sails at noon for Wellington.

March 22, The R.M.S. Ruapehu, which arrived

here yesterday, brought 167 passengers,