Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2906, 8 June 1878, Page 2

Australian Telegrams.

(Per s.s. Easby.)

(Pjsb Pjbess Agency.)

Melboubne, June 1.

Harbour defences at Hobart Town are being vigorously pushed forward, under instructions from Colonel Scratchley. A testimonial is being got up at Melbourne to be presented to William Saurin Lyster, previous to his departure for Europe. The death of Samuel Bennett, proprietor of the Sydney Evening itfews, was brought about by a slight wound inflicted on his left hand with a hammer he was using. The wound was at first considered of so very local a nature that little heed was ppid to it. Inflammation, however, 'soon set in, and it was soon followed by tetanus.

Mr Berry, at Portland, said if the measure for constitutional reform were obstructed, a direct appeal would be made to the Imperial Parliament. Mr Longmore announces that it is intended to double the land tax, and limit the power of land-owners to acquire larger areas.

Three cases of small pox broke out on board the m 'Isteamer Sir iaatWu.iams-

town, and they were lascars. The vessel is quarantined. Two hundred and fifty of the Melbourne unemployed were taken on at drainage works. Another lot is to be employed oh railway works at Warren Hills, but there are still many left unprovided for. The Queensland Government will submit next session t!ie question of drainage on a system applicable to all towns of the colony. A large deposit of salt has been discovered at Herbert Downs, Queensland. Proceedings have been commenced in Equity by the representatives of Udolpho Woolfe, against Henry J. Hart, to restrain him from using a colourable imita"on of his trade rights. A railway accident has occurred at Newcastle, N.S.W., by which two meu were killed.