AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 402, 24 October 1874, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melboxjsnb, October 15th. Mr. M'Culloch's amendment on the Customs Duties Bill was disposed of after one night's debate, and rejected by a majority of 20. During the discussion, Mr. Francis expressed himself opposed to the 20 per cent, duties. Mr. Francis has resolved to resign his seat for Richmond, and stated that Mr. Cohen, Commissioner of Customs will shortly retire from political life. E The agitation is proceeding for opening museums and picture galleries oa Sundays. The subscribers to the Athenseum have resolved by a large majority, against opening that institution. Unusually liofc weather lias been experienced all over the colonies. A coach accident has occurred near Warr"nambooi. Several persons were injured, one severely. The wool sales opened satisfactorily. A shipment of pure Cotswold 6heep for Bushy and Co., of Auckland, has been madß per Hero. The new steamer Somerset, with the Torres Strait mail, arrived five dajs before her time. • Owing to the difficulty of obtaining a Buitable site, it is unlikely that Blondiu will perJorTff here, but will proceed to New Zea-. land and California. s A number of American vrool buyers arrived per 5.3. Pera, having only left Boston 53 days ago. M'Meckan, Blackweod, and Co., aro having two new steamers built on' the Clyde, for the intercolonial trade. They will be 1,200 tous register, and have a guaranteed speed of 13 knots aTi hour. Wheat is very firm at 6s 4d to 6s 9d. Flour is selling freely at £13. Oats arc firm, supplies short at 5s 4d to 5s 6d. There 13 a demand for salad oils. Dovoe's oil has been offered at Is Id. Dried fruits and new teas are moving off *reely. A meeting of the creditors of Samuel Macgrogor, stock agent aud auctioneer, has been called* Tho liabilitios are £60..000. Sydney. Governor Robinson has arrived at Fiji. Letters state that he was interviewed by King Cakebau, and it is likely the result will be satisfactory. Joseph George, a blind man, has beon murdered at Bathurst. A man named Harrison has been committed for Crial for the crime. The mail reached San Francisco two days late. It was detained by tho City of Melbourne until Ihe 12th. Adelaide. The G-orernor's only daughter, aged three years, has died from the effects oE accidental scalding. LojfiDoir October 10th. The ship Duehees of Edinburgh, from London to Melbourne, waa towed into Corunna dismasted. October 13th. Tho Victorian loan has hcen only partially successful, 101 tenders having been sent in, and the total applications being slightly tinder the million. £344,300 has been taken up at and above the sealed minimum of 91f . The balance will be offered on ITriday at tho minimum fixed by Victoria. The Cesarewitch stakes were won by Lord Aylesbury's -Averituriero ; Truth, • gelding, second j Otameeock, third. ~ The Spanish Ambassador in Paris has presented a note to Duke Decazes, strongly protesting against his aiding the Carlists. The insurgents at Buenos Ayres are preparing for strenuous action.