AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2422, 19 January 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] Sydney, January 17. Serious bush h'res have been raging in the country districts, causing great damage to property, The loss in sheep is also very great. It is believed that a woman lias been burned alive. Memjourxe, January 17. Letters from Paris states that M. Pasteur is satisfied that chicken cholera is the best means of eradicating rabbits, and that he intends to send a consign ment of microbes to the Australian Governments, with instructions for its use. M. Pasteur states that the inoculation requires the greatest care, and the rabbits only live a few hours. The microbes are fatal to hares and opossums, but will not harm sheep or kangaroos. BiU'-bavk, January 17. At the City Cic-.c, Barrett, charged with the- murder of Emma Birrett, has been committed for trial. The accused .;,]., ,;i-tp-i tlvf H>e deceased was his 'i'Ui^hter. Another charge of forgery has been preferred against Rutter, Mayor of Rockliamptou. THIS LATEST. Svdsky, January 18The Postal Conference has been postytvr.cA until the 26th inst. Several deaths from sunstroke are reported from the country districts. Sugar No. 2 white is quoted at £25 per ton. A deputation of grain growers waited on the Railway Commissioner asking that, in view of the railways paying so well, a reduction of 50 per oeut. should be made on the preseut rates for the carriage of grain, as, under existing circumstances, it was impossible to grow wheat at a profit. MrSpcaght, Chief Commissioner, in reply, said the rates for carrying agricultural produce were lower in the colonies than in America, and ths Commissioners did not feel justified in granting the concession asked for. The deputation is dissatisfied with the result of the interview, and will appeal to the Government. Hohart, January IS. The cricket match between Vernon's team and twenty-two. representing the North Coast wis won by the former by an innings and 110 runs. The following arc this scores :—Vernon's team, 271 : North Coast, GG and 95.