AUSTRALIAN.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3814, 19 March 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Bbisbane, This day. According to private telegrams from London, Messrs Griffiths and Hemmant, on behalf of the Opposition, have opened an inquiry into the steel rails contract, and have commenced taking evidence on the subject. Melbottbne, This day. A telegram from Galle announces that the P. and O. Company's steamship Hydaspes sailed from that port yesterday for Australia. Amongst the passengers is Mr Marshall Wood, the well known sculptor. Melboubne, March 18. The cricket match between the Australian Eleven and Fifteen of Victoria was commenced here to-day. The weather was very fine. The fifteen went first to the wickets, and were all disposed of for 87 runs. The Australians | then went in, and £their first innings j closed for 136, Murdoch was the highest scorer, being not out for 57 ; Jarvis was bowled for 22. The election for Maldon seat, which place was rendered vacant by the departure of Mr Service, took place to-day, and resulted in the return of Mclntyre.

Sydney, Thi» day. An influential committee has been formed to prepare a suitable reception for Laycock, the oarsman who will return to Sydney this month from England. A public subscription for a testimonial to him is being raised, and £350 has been already subscribed, and the amount is increasing daily. Sydney, Friday. Hennessy's brandy, per case, 37s 6d ; bulk quarters, 12s ; kerosene, Diamond, per gallon, Is 7d to Is 7^d ; Devoe's Is 9d; Patna rice, per ton, £21 17s 6d; sugar, Company's No, 1, prices per ton, £36; New Zealand wheat, per bushel, 4s; New Zealand oats, 2s 3d; maize, per 601bs, 3s; tobacco, Haven's twist, per pound, Is 5d ; candles, D. E-. J.s, per pound, 8M; candles, D. E. C. S., Bjd. •