AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2598, 7 March 1889, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(by electric telegraph.—copyright). Sylney, Wsduesday. The Edith May, which arrived yesterday from the islands, reports that the island Rurikura, south of the. New Hebrides group, was visited by a great hurricane. Plantations were destroyed, and the inhabitants are almost on the verge of starvation. In the Assembly last night the amendment to the Addri'ss-in-Ruply, moved by Sir H. Parkes, was enm'e I by 03 to 64. Some years ago the N-w South Wales Government undertook certain works on Garden Island, Sydney Harbour, with the view of Sydney being recognised as the nival head quarters, and in return the Admirality handed over the Ordanoe Reserves, Sydney. During the past two years operations on Garden Island have been discontinued, and great inconvenience was thus caused to the squadron. Admiral Fairfax has written repeatedly to the Premier without avail. The Admiral has recently addressed a letter to the Governor, iu which he expresses himself strongly disposed to recommend the Admiralty to arrange to make the headquarters of the Australian squadron in one of the other colonies. This appears to have had the desired effect, the Government having, to-day given orders to resume work on Garden Island at once. llouart, March 6. The largest fire which has occurred for many years broke out last night in Bond's back mills, which were burnt to the ground. The damage is estimated at £10,000.