AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 355, 13 May 1874, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 4th. The Attorney-General, Mr. Stephens, having accepted the Judgeship, has been sworn in and taken his seat on the Bench, vice Judge Williamß/ retired. Mr. Kerf ord,- the Solicitor-General, takeß the Attorney-Generalship. Mr. Fraser, Minister of Public Works and Government representative in the Council, has retired, to be succeeded by Mr. R. S. Anderson. The offices of Postmaster-General and Soli-citor-General will not be filled up. Mr. Mackay the Minister for Mines, takes charge of the Education Department. These changes 'will weaken the Ministry, except the substitution of Mr. Anderson for Mr. Fraser. Writs have been issued to fill the Ministerial vacancies. It is unlikely that there will be any opposition except in St. Kilda, where Mr. Webb, Equity barrister, and probably Mr. Williams will be opposed for the vacancy in the central Province. Mr. Sargood. an ex warehouseman, and Mr A. K. Smith, are nominated. Parliament is to meet on the 19th of May. The steamer Jeddah, with the Torres Straits mail, arrived at Brisbane last week with later news to the 6th March. The Cambridgeshire, long overdue from London, arrived last night dismasted. The disaster occurred owing to a heavy gale on April 2. No lives were lost. Yesterday evening, before the Free Discussion Society, M'Pherson, the President of the Canterbury Working Men's Association, delivered a lecture on the Delusion of the New Zealand Immigration Scheme. The week's social events are generally without interest. Dr. Tracy remains in a very precarious state. The markets were very dull during the week. Prime wheat. 6s fed; common oats offering at 5s to 5s 2d. A shipment of fine New Zealand flax changed hands at £21. Sugars are in good request, and the public sales show 10s to 15s advance. Tobaccos are firmer, especially's Cameron's. Large sales of candles at ll£d. Sydney, May 4th. Unprecedentedly heavy rain has been constant since midnight, with no sign of clearing up. Two armed men stopped the northern mail ; plundered the passengers of their money and valuables but did not touch the mail. The bushrangers told the passengers they might inform the Tamworth Police. Adelaide, May 4th. A large robbery has occured at the General Post Office. ■ A banker's parcel containing £1700, has been taken. Parliament has opened. The Treasurer has promised to amend the Land Act by reducing the upset price. Education, Distillation, Roads, and the question of a Telegraph to Western Australia, were referred to.