AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2514, 21 August 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(nv electric telkguaph.—copyright.) Sydney, August 18. The Government of New South Wales is willing to renew the San Francisco mail contract for twelve months. August 19. A crisis is imminent at Brokong Station, owing to the difficulty among the shearers, A night attack is expected, and it is feared that the result will end in bloodshed. The besieging force, number three hundred, while the defending force is comparatively small. August 20. Dr. Butcher has discovered two more diseases which he claims may be successfully employed iu the extermination of rabbits. Melbourne, August 19. The Railway Department have been promised an unlimited 3iipply of coal from Tasmania. The threatened strike has caused New Zealand co<"l to advance 1 us per ton. The Government has decided to increase the import duty on oats and barley, but decline to increase the stock tax. The Premier Mr Gillies has addressed a circular letter to the Premiers of the other colonies urging them to join with Canada in impressing upon the Imperial Govemmeut the necessity for making a survey for the Pacific cable. August 20. The Exhibition is now far advanced towards completion. Tho attendance on Saturday numbered 24,000.' Ahklaimk, August IS. Borings put clown at various localities on the Murray flats have revealed indications of a caunel coal Held. Brisbane, August 20. The English football team beat Brisbane by 24 points to 9. HoitAiiT, August 20. A resolution was carried imposing a tax of i>l in the £ on land owned by absentees, but it is not regarded as likely to become law.