AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2674, 31 August 1889, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(by electric telkgraph.—copyright.) Sypnky, August 29. H.M.S. Comokaxt has annexed Peurhyn Island and the Harvey Group, August 30. The annual report of the Benevolent Asylum discloses a shocking state of immorality. It shows that seven hundred illigitimate births were registered annually, and last year forty-four children were abandoned. Replying to a question in the House of Assembly, Sir H. Parkes said the Government wore not in possession of any information respecting the French action in the New Hebrides. He said the Government must decline to mako any representation to the Imperial Government on the m-itter, unless they received substantial evidence as to what is taking place. Tile Government have decided to establish an Agricultural Department without delay. At the annual meeting of the Mutual Life Association to day, the Chairman announced that tho expenses were rapidly being reduced, and were now only 2'2j per cent of the income. A bonus distribution will take place at Christmas, and another two years hence. Adelaide, August 30. Dr. Kennion, Bishop of Adelaide, intimates that it is probablj a protest will be forwarded to tie Archbishop of Canterbury, opposing the consecration of the Rev. W. Saumerig Smith as Primate of Australia. Mklbouknk, August 30. The Government have intimated to the proprietors of the Sunday Newspaper that proceedings will be instituted against them if tho paper is published. The Argus, commenting on the WardHislop correspondence, says, whether the New Zealand Government was right or not iu its method of rebuke, it was certainly right in principle. Newcastle, August 30. The steamer Lawrence, recently purchased for the Mokihinui coal trade, sailed for Wellington last night. Brisbane, August, 39. The Council has rejected the Eight Hours' Bill. August 30. In the Parliamentary rifle match the Queensland team made five hundred and twenty-one. Mr Andrew Joseph Phynne, Minister of Justice, was the highest scorer with eighty-seven.