AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 317, 21 July 1898, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(BY ELKCTRIC TELEGRAPH.—-COPYRIGHT). (Received July '2O, 10 a.m.) A GREAT NUGGET. Perth, July 20. A NUGGET, weighting 16060 z., ar>d valued at £<><)oo, was found ou the surface near Kanowna, by three fishermen. For sonic; time they had been getting good returns in the same locality. The midget was discovered on Sun* day, and has been named the " sacred nugget." (Received July 20, 9.00 a.m.). COLLISION IN SYDNEY HARBOUR. Sydney, July 20. The steaiuer Cintra aod the ketch Korunah collided in the harbour. The ketch was badly damaged, and Capt. Forbes was knocked overboard and drowned. TEE LATE EXPLOSION. Melbourne, July 19. At the inquest iu connectiou with the explosion in Victoria barracks, the jury returned a formal verdict, snd a rider was added that it v. as probably due to the ignorauce of the men of the dangerous nature of the work, consequent upon not being properly warned by the authorities, and that great blame is attached to the Defence Department in not having properlyqualified men to supervise the work. DEFENCES. Brisbane, July 19. The Premier, Mr Byrnes, speaking at Toowoomba, said he intended to " put the defences in a better condition, as complications might arise any time and Australia be attacked. Therefore, they must be prepared to defend themselves. Admiral Pearson has been interviewed here. Ho urged the great necessity for strengthening the defences of Thursday Island and King George's Sound, to ensure their safety as coaling stations. A STEAMER ASHORE. Newcastle, July 20. The steamer Wendouree grounded when leaving here to-day, and is likely to become a total wreck. The crew are safe. Sydney, July \W A strong nor'-west wind was blowing as the Wendourie left the harbour, and the sea was breaking on the dreaded oyster bank, on which the vessel struck, close to the wreck of the steamer Colonist. The \Yendcurie became a total wreck iu a short time. The cause of the disaster is not revealed at present. She was insured for £3OOO.