AUSTRALIAN- NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 342, 28 March 1874, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN- NEWS.

Melbourne, March 19. The nominations for the first batch of elections have taken place, and resulted in the unopposed return of six members. In eleven districts contests took place. A good deal of apathy is displayed, and very little interest felt. The Chief Secretary and Treasurer addressed their constituents, mainly on Constitution fl.l queotiono. H.M.S. Challenger, on a scientific cruise, is now in harbour, and will probably visit New Zealand. She has aboard Lord George Campbell, son of the Duke of Argyle, as sublieutenant. The libel case against the Australasian is now proceeding. It has reference to remarks ma le about " pulling " a horse in the steeplechase at Bendigo. Henry Cohn, formerly a well known publican at Sandridge, has committed suicide by taking poison. A large deputation on the Sabbath observance question have interviewed the Chief Secretary. In the Buckley will case, in the Supreme Co'-j-t, it has been decided that the will is a forgery by Maher. Now Zealand four per cents, are obtainable at £91. Bank of New Zealand shares wanted at £16 10s. Sydney, March 19. The Government have arranged with Queensland and New Zealand for laying the cable from Singapore to the Queensland coast, and will ask Parliament to sanction the same. The Tartar took 70 cabin passengers. The Assembly have rejected the Payment of Members Bill. Great privations continue at Palmer river, owing to the scarcity of provisions. The natives are very troublesome. Two men have been killed, and three wounded. The gold prospects am satisfactory, but the country is almost inaccessible,