AUSTRALIAN NEWS. INTERPROVINCIAL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2589, 14 February 1889, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(by electric telegraph,—copyright.) Sydney, February 12. In several of the country districts the farmers are in great diflieulties owing to the crops failing, ami have applied to Government for seed wheat for next seasun's crop. A portion of the English mails via Frisco, destined for Melbourne, took fire while being conveyed by express train. The lire was extinguished. It is believed that the cause of the fire was some combustible matter in one of the bags. Sixteen bags were destroyed. The only portions saved were letters which happened to be in the centre of the bags. Many valuable documents were lost, including some both for Adelaide and Melbourne. February 13. It is slated that the fire that broke out on the express train yesterday was caused by friction in a portion of the van grinding on the wheels. It is now ascertained that, over 1000 letters were burned, including five bags for Tasmania, and many others charred. Bkisiiaxk, February 12. Tremendous rains have fallen generally over the colony. News from iN T ew Guinea states that the murderers of Captain Ancell, of the schooner Star of I'eaee, have been hanged iu presence of 1000 natives. Albany, February 12. Mr Herbert G'adstone is a passenger by the Austral, which arrived from Plymouth yesterday. Melbourne, February 12. The funeral of the late Hon, f. Lalor was attended by an iu.'iiieuau concourse of people. Al-ehiue, February 13. Sharp earthquake shocks were experienced hero ami othsr parts of the colony during last night, the duration being half a minute. I'krth, February 13. It is reported tint a cyclone passe 1 over King George's Sound. Twelve lumpers and a schooner are missing. No particulars are yet to hand.

(BY TKLKGnr.VH.—I'KESS ASSOCIATION.) OAMARU, Wednesday. Tim amounts collected towards the Parnell Defence Fund so far amounts to between £70 and £SO. It is expected that fully £300 will be subscribed ill North Otago. CIIKI ST CIIU R 011, Wednesday. At a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board to-day, it was reported that out door relief has *bcen granted during January to 59<3 eases, 44 more than in December, The Jubilee Memoral,' Home for the aged and poor has been opened with fifteen inmates.