AUSTRALIAN.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4369, 4 January 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Adelaide, This day.

A fire broke out last night at the Post and Telegraph Office. It originated in the storeroom, but was fortunately discovered early and extinguished within two hours. The damage done was not serious and principally arose from water and hasty fremoTal of goods. Sydney, This day. Mr Alexander Stuart has been sum« moned by the Governor to undertake the formation of a new Ministry, and is now engaged in the task. Brisbane, This day. Queensland revenue [during the last quarter amounted to £506,000, an increase of £81,500 compared with corresponding period of 1881. For half year ended 31 December, the revenue was '£1,160,000, being an increase of £163,000 on second half of previous year. The expenditure in December quarter amounted to £857,000.. Melbousne, Yesterday. The proprietors of one of the totalisators on the Champion race absconded. Two thousand pounds are owing to winners. The police declined to interfere in the matter. The Melbourne papers agree that the English team's display of cricket in the recent match was disappointing. All express the opinion that the team was beaten on it's merits. Fifty thousand persons paid for admission during three days' play.. Various Victorian gold mining companies during the past year paid dividends amounting to £863,000 being a large increase on the previous year. Quartz mines paid £565,000, and alluvial £298,000. Sydney, Wednesday. The new Parliament was opened today. Mr E. Barton, one of the members for East Sydney, was elected Speaker, the re-election of Sir G. W. Allen being negatived by the Opposition by 51 votes to 47. Sir Henry Parkes announced that the Ministry had tendered their resignation to His Excellency the Governor. It is expected that Mr Alexander Stewart will be summoned by Lord Loftus, and charged with the formation of a new Ministry. Melbouene, Wednesday. Sailed, this evening : The Union Company's steamship Arawata, for the Bluff. Messrs Goldsborough and Co. (Limited) report having offered 2800 bales at their wool sale to-day. 2000 bales were sold at satisfactory prices. Fair average grease realised up to 12d; good washed to 22Jd.