AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3114, 10 February 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PEE 8.8. RINGABOOMA AT THE BITTFF.)

(Pee Pbess Agency.)

Meibottbne, February 4. Politics still continue dull and uninte resting, and very little general news.

The Governor will be asked to lay the foundation stone of the new Exhibition Buildings; probably it will be his last public appearance in the Colony.

There is a rumor current in Sydney that Mr Weld will be the next Governor there.

There i« now some prospect of the long standing dispute between the Harbor Trust and Wright and Orr, dock lessees, being settled in favor of the latter.

At a sale of St. Alban's yearlings, cix realised an average of 356 guineas. A Company is being projected for the construction of a new dock on the East side of Salt Water river, 369 feet long, 66 feet wide, and 20 feet deep, capable of holding vessels of 1,500 tons. Nothing new about the Kellys. Parties are out every day and expectations are consequently raised only to com© to nothing. A collision occurred on Friday night at the heads betwem the steamer Julia Percy and the outward ship St Joseph, from New York. Both were somewhat damaged, but not seriously. No one was injured. The weather has been very hot, ranging up to 106degs. in the shade in Melbourne ; ]L26degs. in Echuca. Several deaths occurred from sunstroke —two in Melbourne and others in different parts of the country. At Wilcannia, in New South Wales, the heat has been frightful: 125degs. in the shade, and 16 deaths have occurred in ten days from excessive heat. Bain is much wanted as the country is very much parched up. At a meeting of the medical profession, sixty present, a medical defence association was formed on matters closely connected with the interest of the profession. Considerable interest has been manifested in the inquest on a widow named Charlotte Collins, alleged to have died from the result of abortion. The evidence given was against Mr Crooke, surgeon, who attended her. Yesterday it was announed that Crooke was unable to attend, owing to illness. It was then stated he had taken a dose of chloral, and was -not expected to live. It was also stated that apoplexy was the cause of his illness. He was apparently well yesterday morning. The affair has created some sensation in connection with the proceedings at the inquest, which now stands adjourned for a week.

A fire occurred iv Elizabeth street, on Sunday night. Three premises were partially destroyed. Three firemen fell from a verandah, one was taken to the hospital.

The failure of McClure, Valentine and Co., 'wholesale grocers is announced; liabilities one hundred thousand, but it is said the actual deficiency will not exceed £20,000.

A few other smaller failures have taken place. Four theatres are still open, besides other places of amusement.

Parson Chiniquy is now here addressing meetings. He has been taken by the Orange Institutions. ,