AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 324, 24 January 1874, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, January 16th, The caissons for the Graving Dock, 81ft long by 31ft high, have been successfully launched and placed in position, - After a long drought rain fell heavily for three days, and has done much good, The weather is again hot. The Jenny Glaus and R-ekel company are about to visit New Zealand.

Ministers are engaged in preparing^ apolitical programme to submit to the public at the ensuing elections.. It is thought ijjat Parliament will not be dissolved until next month.

A handball match between a Sydney and Victorian team is now being played.

No accounts have been received from Major Warburton, the explorer- of Western Australia.

Mr. W. J. T. Clarke, the wealthiest individual in the colonies, died on Tuesday* after a tedious illness* He is supposed, to. have been worth over three millions.. Hib funeral took place to-day, and was largely attended*

Governor Weld is expected on. a visit from Western Australia.

At the Matriculation and Civil Service examinations several ladies, passed, 2 daughters of Professor Hearn occuping the foremost positions on the list...

Breadstuffs are very firm. Flour> £13, to £13 10s. Wheat is much wanted, at 6s lOd to 6s; New Zealand do, 4s Bd. Maize is rising in value, and quoted at 5,s 6,d.. For sugars, whites, there ia somp demand at improved rates-. Teas are dull. Brandies command full prices. Westland white pine, ex Seabird,' 9s 3d to. 9a 6d. Tookey's are offered at £85..

Sydney. Parliament has re-assembled. The debate on Captain Ross's caße has been resumed.

A murder of three men by a lunatic has been committed at Parambong.

A rush has taken place to the Endeavour River. Several steamers have been laid on.

Three stowaway convicts from New Caledonia have reached Sydney., Two Frenchmen have arrived at Brisbane in an open boat, having escaped from their guard. Four seamen have been committed for trial for a rape on a. married woman. A new Ministry has been formed in Queensland, with Mr., Macalister as Premier, whose policy includes the gradual abolition of the ad volorem. duties, increased immigration, and free selection within limited areas.. The City of Melbourne leaves Sydney with the Californian mails on. Saturday. She takes 18, boxes of gold and" a number of passengers.. Adelaide. Flood's in the Northern- districts have ewept away three bridges, and swamped a number of houses.