AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2473, 17 May 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Buisbane, May 15.. Teiuubli; weather has been experienced on the Northern Coast. At Marble Island, where a number of men were employed, the weather was so boisterous that the men were reduced to the veri»e of starvation, it being impossible to convey supplies to the island. The cutter Petrel, which has been inissin" for some time, has been found stranded at Cape Kimberley, near Cairns. It is supposed that the native crew murdered the captain, and Auguste Louisia, a Frenchman, who was the only European on board, ran the vessel ashore, and then made off. Sydney, May 15. The Divorce Extension Bill, which was recently vetoed by the Imperial Government, was again read a second time this evening, by 32 to 18. Mr J...C. Neil, who has charge of the measure, said that it had been approved by Justices Darley. Higginbotham, and Sir J. Haunen, Chief Judge of the London Divorce Court, and that it was on the same lines as the Bill introduced by Sir Alfred Stephens. New rules and revised standing orders will shortly be submitted to Parliament. The new rules principally relate to Parliamentary procedure, and some are expected to give rise to an animated discussion. Those relating to the suppression of disorder are understood to be of a drastic character, and if stringently enforced will effectually prevent the recurrence of the scenes which have lately been so prevalent. Mr David Buchanan, a Protectionist, has been elected for the Central Cumberland seat, vice Mr McCullocli, resigned. The Freetrado candidate for the Central Cumberland seat was not supported by the Freetradc Association. Mki.hourne, May IG. Parliament meets on the 12th inst. The Wesleyan Conference has effected a satisfactory compromise regarding the Tongan diffculty. The Rev. MrMoulton has agreed to retire, providing the Rev. Geo. Brown is appointed to succeed him in charge of the mission there. The Conference resolved to agree to the recommendation.

Adelaide, May 10. A collision occurred hi port last night, between the steamers Gabo anrl (Jowry, The former was cut down to the watera edge, and sank almost immediately. The Cowry was so badly injured that she had to be beached. No lives were lost.