LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 480, 20 March 1869, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

ST ELECTRIC TELEOMAPS. (From the West Coast Times.) The s.s. Omeo, Captain Mackie, left Melbourne on the 10th inst., arriving at the Bluff at 1.30 p.m. on the 15th inst. She brings in all 275 tons of cargo, twenty-seven cabin, and forty iteerage passengers. Gf the cargo, sixty tons are for Hokitika.

VICTOEIA. Melboubwe, March 10. Prince Alfred sailed yesterday in the Galatea for Sydney, after laying the foundation stone of the new Alfred Hospital. A great fancy dress ball took place on Friday, the 6th, at which the Prince was present. He danced every dance aid rapidly changed his costume jeveral times in order to escape recognition. He also attended Geelong races, visited both the theatres and Montgomery's readings, but avoided all public receptions; wishing his second visit to be considered a private one. M. Chevalier, the celebrated artist, tailed in the Galatea, and will accompany the Prince on his entire tour. The great scandal case of Alexander r. Jones occupied the Supreme Court three days, and the jury disagreeing ■were discharged without giving a verdict. Mr Jones has since then resigned his office as Commissioner of Hallways, and also his seat in the Assembly. Ministers are rapidlygettingthrough the Estimates. They have made no reduction in their own salaries. The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce have abandoned the proposed Conference with the Australian Chambers, with reference to the proposed Customs union. Hugo Levinger, charged with murdering Polynesians on the high seas, has been remanded to Sydney. The Government have announced their intention of bringing in a bill, which is now in preparation, for the abolition of state aid to religion. Before sailing Prince Alfred presented £SO each to the Alfred Hospital, the Sailors' Home, and the Society for the Belief of the Educated Poor. Trade is brisk and sound. Flour has advanced to £l2 15s and £l3. "Wheat is scarce, at from 5s 7d to 5s 9d. Sales of oats have been effected —New Zealand 4s 3d ; Tasmanian, 4s 4id. Kerosene has advanced to 2s 2d. Sugars maintain full rates. Teas are active for finer chops. The last Tasmanian aboriginal died last week.

NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, March 9. The Intercolonial Cricket Match was won by Victoria, with 78 runs to spare. Sydney, Ist innings, 37; second innings, 95; total, 132. Victoria, Ist innings, 61; second innings, 149 ; total, 210. Great preparations are being made for a pic-nic to Prince Alfred on St. Patrick's Day. The Government have abolished all public holidays on Saint's days. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce liave withdrawn from the Conference on a customs' union. Trade is dull. The flour market is My supplied. Sugars are a shade easier. Wool sales are brisk, and prices firm. The yacht clubs will muster in full force to meet Prince Alfred at the Heads. The Treason Felony Amendment Act has been read a second time. SOUTH ATJSTEALIA. Adelaide, March 7. A seven ounce nugget has been found at Tapster (?) diggings. Wheat has advanced t to 5s ; flour £ll 15s for country, to £l2 15s for town brands.