AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 377, 29 July 1874, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbouiine, July 15. The revenue for the year amounts t» L 4,152,000, tho largest yet obtained, and exceeding tho Treasurer's estimate by L 300.000. The customs, public works, and miscellaneous items show large increases ; the territorial a falling off, owing to the fact that the Governmart withheld the sale of land by auction. The prospectus has been issued of the Paka-* whau and Victoria Coal Company for working mines in Nelson; capital L 30,000, in LI shares. A correspondent writing to the 'Argus states that the Rev. Robert Fleming, late of Otngo, was refused recognition in Victoria as a preacher, and no reason for this was assigned by the Home Mission Committee of the Presbyterian Church. The question of erecting a lighthouse at Cape Nelson or Cape Bridgewater is under the consideration of the Government. Stdney. Green, the Inspector of Nuisances to the Bathurst Corporation, has been arrested for embezzlement. Dr Van Heckeim has been committed for procuring abortion. Zanco, Beltram, Andromeda, Priam, Stockbridge, and Wrangler are scratched for the Metropolitan. Another expedition in search of-Leichardfc started yesternight. The barque Sierra Nevada and the brig S. H. Peake came into collision twenty milea south of Newcastle. The brig was struck amidships, and sank in two minutes, but the crew were saved. Captain Duncan, of the barque Palace, from Wangaroa, reports seeing a light ashore at Sisters Island, Bass Straits. He conjectures that it was made by castaways from some vessel. Bbisbane, June 27. Captain Sturrock states that the divers report but slight damage to the hull of the Flintshire, and that repairs will be easily effected. The Collector of Customs at Townsville reports that he has held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the wreck, and doubts if it is possible even to effect temporary repairs. The captain will probably place tanks in the forehold to displace the water, previous to proceeding to Sydney. Two potions for libel are pending against tha ' Gympie Times,' damages being laid at LIOO in each ease. A defence fund is being raised. Blondin performs here on Saturday week, under the patronage of the Marquis "of Normanby. Adelaide, June 30. Steps are being taken to inaugurate a blind, deaf, and dumb asylum, and Mr Watson, of Sydney, has been asked to open an institution. Mr Bundey has accepted office in the Ministry, and will be sworn in to-morrow. Ernest Giles, the explorer, has sent a telegram from Charlotte Waters, dated July 13, that he has discovered a freshwater lake and splendid country 150 miles beyond Gosse'f depot,