AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2451, 27 March 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Br Electric Tblkgbaph.—Copyright. 1 Sydney, March 24. H.M. gunboats Undine aud Harrier are to be sold by auction next month. Both are small vessels, and have become obsolete. A heavy thunderstorm passed over portions of the colony this afternoon. At Baueujoey, a house was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. It subsequently transpired that a man was in the house at the time, and it is supposed he perished in the flames. The Government are considering the propriety of extending the penny postage over the whole colony. Melisouhnh, March 24. In the poll for the reduction iu the number of hotels in Ballarat Eaet, the local optionists obtained a majority of 405 in favour of reducing the hotels from 72 to 27. In Geelong it is expected that the polling will show a similar, result. The population of the city of Melbourne is estimated at 391,000. The engine-drivers on the railways are in a state of ferment, asserting that they arc subject to harsh treatment from Mi' Allison Smith, and they demand his removal from his position. They allege that Mr Smith is responsible for the bungling work recently discovered iu the Locomotive Department. The three men who were charged with the murder of the woman Cummings have been acquitted, the evidence being insufficient to convict.