AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2516, 25 August 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.) Sydney, August 23. H M. S. Calliope will leave immediately for Fiji, to take the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific (Sir J. B. Thurston) to Tonga on important business. The difficulty between Unionist and non-Unionist shearers at Brokong Station has terminated, the Uniouisls having given way. Serious grass fires have occurred in the Maequarrie Plains district. Over 100,000 acres of grass have been burned, and a large number of sheep have been destroyed. lii the action, Davies v. National Insurance Company of New Zealand, to recover the amount of the policies on the plaintiff's butterine factory, which was burned down some time ago, and which was heard in the Supremo Court to day, a verdict for £3000 was returned for the plaintiff. Adelaide, August 21. The Premier has received a communication from the Agent-General to the effect that the Imperial Government consider the Chinese poll-tax should bo abolished altogether, and the tonnage limitation lowered. Brisbane, August 23. Edward Maher, a contractor at Giraldton, left his home yesterday in company with two blacks. His body was discovered to-day with the head almost hanging off. Hobart, August 2i. Arrived : The Taiuui, from London, with Go passengers for New Zealand. In consequence of the strong opposition to the taxing proposals, tho Government will content themselves with those already passed and withdraw the others.