AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2460, 17 April 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Br Electric Tklkuraph.—Cofyiught.l Sydney, April 14. His Excellency the Goveknok, his received a cable from Lord Knutsford, Secretary of State for the Colonies, intimating that the ilesnatc'i from thfl New South Wales Government on the Chinese question is under the consideration of the Imperial Government. Fifty French soldiers from the New Hebrides have arrived here, invalided, en route for France. The remainder of the troops have left the New Hebrides for France direct. Citherine Blake, who was charged with the minder of her father at Tamworth, has been acquitted. A second charge of murdering her infant sister 13 pending against her. Mrs Lakeman, whose child died recently of smallpox, has now developed the disease, as has also one of her servants. The blood stallion Country Boy haa been purchased by Mr Carncs, of Wellington. April 15. The Speedwell has been wrecked midway between Newcastle and Sydney. The first boat which was launched was smashed to atoms, but fortunately the crew reached the shore. The second boat, which was in charge of Captain Samson, reached the shore in safety. The Speedwell was an iron barque of 350 tons, and was built at Cork in 1855. She was owned by Mr James Cole Ellis, of Newcastle. Melboubne, April 14 Official statistics show that from December 13th to April 12th 1072 cases of typhoid fever occurred in this colony of which 235 proved fatal. In consequence of the recent alarming fire at a Brillarat restaurant, the city authorities have ordered the inspection of all coffee palaces in this city. Extensive irrigation works are projected in the Wimmera district, to cost £215,000. The official agricultural statistics just published show the average yield per acre last season to have been :—Wheat, 10'81 bushels; oats, 2'2'f)2 bushels; potatoes, 411 tons ; hay, 441 tons. Bkisisank, April 13. Sir T. Mcllwraith, the leader of the Opposition, in addressing the electors, declared that if he was returned to power he would strenously oppose the introduction of Coolies, Chinese, and other aliens into the colony.