AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2447, 17 March 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

* [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright,] Brtsmne, March 15. Sir Samuel Griffith, the Premier, delivered a speech at Bareuldin, in the course of which he said he regretted to learn that the Chinese had taken to sheep-shearing, and also stated that Parliament would have to take steps to see that the revenue did not suffer. Sydney, March 15. The City Corporation frauds are supposed to have been effected by altering the values and quantities on vouchers before presenting them to the Treasury. Some time ago certain frauds were exposed, and the criminals punished ; but the investigation on that occasion was not complete, ouo of the principals in the conspiracy having died. The engineer at that time was suspended, but afterwards re-instated, and he now asserts that he has no knowledge of the defalcations, and that all papers signed by him have always been signed by three other officers. It is stated that the Mayor's audit has disclosed the embezzlement of £'25,000. All the books anil accounts from January, ISSO, to June, ISSI, have disappeared from the offices. Four officers of the engineer's department, it is expected, will be suspended this morning. The town was greatly cxeited by a rumour that an alderman was implicated in the frauds, and had committed suicide. It subsequently turned out that an exalderman named Parker had hanged himself this afternoon, but not because he was connected with the recent exposure. The silver shares are still quiet, except for the Proprietary mine, which are firinly held at about £400. Companies are still being floated, and fresh discoveries are made daily, particularly in the Tuena and Orange districts. Amongst these are said to be some valuable deposits of tin.